In the heart of Japan's industrial hub, Toyota is orchestrating a transformation in its manufacturing approach to bridge the gap in battery electric vehicles (EVs). Building on its renowned lean production methods, the world's leading automaker is blending new technologies with time-tested practices to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline costs. During a recent plant tour in central Japan, Toyota unveiled a series of groundbreaking advancements, some revealed to the public for the first time. Among these innovations is a technique for crafting high-gloss bumpers devoid of paint. This process involves meticulously hand-polishing the mold to a mirror-like finish, imparting a stunning sheen to the bumper. In another stride forward, aging machinery, in service for over three decades, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through the integration of robotics and 3D modeling, these units can now operate around the clock, including nights and weekends, resulting in a threef...

The government has proposed a plan to create dedicated lanes exclusively for autonomous vehicles and delivery drones in Japan. This initiative aims to address labor shortages in logistics and the decreasing utilization of transportation networks in depopulated areas. The blueprint, presented during a meeting of the government's Council for the Realization of the Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation on March 31, outlines the intention to establish a designated lane along a section of the Shin-Tomei Expressway. This lane will span approximately 120 kilometers (74 Miles), stretching from the Surugawan-Numazu Service Area to the Hamamatsu Service Area, both located in Shizuoka Prefecture.   In the initial stages, self-driving trucks are anticipated to have access to this lane during a late-nighttime slot, possibly commencing in 2024. To ensure the safety of these vehicles, sensors and cameras will be installed along the shoulder of the road and in other strategic locations to ...