Applied Intuition, Inc., a Silicon Valley-based vehicle software supplier, and Isuzu Motors Ltd., have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate Isuzu Motors Ltd.'s plan to develop and offer autonomous trucking solutions.

The companies say the partnership will usher in strong economic and social impacts by optimising commercial logistics, directly addressing recent concerns surrounding critical driver shortages.

Truck driver overwork is a major public health issue in Japan — nearly 84% of drivers face related health problems. Recent studies showed truck drivers accounted for 34.3% of overwork-related deaths. In response, the Japanese government revised its Labor Standards Law, capping annual work hours at 3,300 hours, including breaks. This has raised concerns about driver shortages in an industry already anticipating a 36% decline in drivers by 2030. Known as "The 2024 Problem," it threatens to disrupt supply chains and challenge Japan's reputation for excellent service.

The partnership will expand logistics solutions and mitigate driver shortages by introducing advanced autonomous driving technology in Japan. In April 2024, Isuzu Motors Ltd. announced its mid-term management plan called "ISUZU Transformation - Growth to 2030 (IX)," with a goal of establishing automated driving solutions as a new business pillar. Applied Intuition's technology is designed and developed with its customers' needs in mind, enabling automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to build safe and intelligent autonomous systems, ensuring they have the necessary solutions for accelerated autonomy development, validation, and deployment.

"Applied Intuition is in the business of enabling our OEM customers to deploy next-generation technology in their vehicles. In this case, we're advancing commercial trucking autonomy with Isuzu," said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. "What's different about Applied Intuition versus other companies in our ecosystem is we don't succeed if our customers don't succeed. Because of that, we look forward to helping one of the largest truck OEMs in the world simultaneously address needs in commercial trucking and develop in-house capabilities."

"Working with Applied Intuition will greatly advance autonomous driving technology development and provide a strong foundation for Isuzu's plan to launch an autonomous trucking business," said Shinsuke Minami, representative director, president and COO of Isuzu Motors Ltd. "This strategic partnership will serve as a strong driving force for our goal to create and offer solutions to challenges faced by our customers and society as a whole."