Seven-Eleven Japan trials delivery robots to tackle driver shortage
Autonomous sidewalk robots begin test runs in Tokyo suburb.
As Japan faces an ongoing shortage of truck drivers, Seven-Eleven Japan has launched a pilot program to test autonomous delivery robots on public roads.
The trial began this week in Hachioji, a suburban area in western Tokyo, according to The Japan TImes. The experimental service involves two local stores, each equipped with two four-wheeled robots. The compact, box-shaped machines are loaded manually by store staff with items ordered through the 7NOW delivery app.
Once dispatched, the robots navigate sidewalks at speeds of up to 6 km/h, following traffic signals and avoiding obstacles.
Seven-Eleven plans to run the trial through February 2026, after which the company will assess the viability of integrating robotic deliveries into its broader logistics operations.
The initiative is part of the retailer’s efforts to address labor shortages in the delivery sector while also offering a convenient solution for elderly customers who may have difficulty visiting physical stores.
If successful, the robot delivery service could mark a significant step forward in Japan’s push for smart urban logistics and aging population support.
