Automated Courier Transport System using Public Transport: Use of ITS-aided Robots

摘要

A concept for a new courier service method using automated transfer and rail transportation is proposed. There are a number of problems associated with rail transport, including exchange times, large container size, and slow train speed. The proposed system aims to improve usability of rail transport for rapid transfer and to shorten delivery time, comparable to that of passenger transport. The target system is not bulk transport but courier services for small packets, where the unit of handling is a wheeled cage box that can easily be transferred automatically. Finally, we assume use of passenger trains with a similar axle weight to allow high-speed transportation. The key technology is to use intelligent transportation system (ITS)-based robots and multilevel routing systems where flexible handling is realized and scalability is expected. Feasibility analyses indicated that the system is physically and economically feasible and the Japanese rail system has sufficient capacity.