In recent years, the working population has been decreasing due to the declining birthrate and aging population in Japan, and labor costs have been rising due to labor shortages and accelerating inflation. In addition, young workers are increasingly avoiding harsh (dark) working environments and heavy labor. In this situation, we are working to automate repetitive tasks and heavy object transportation by providing automated systems using Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), resolving labor shortages, reducing labor costs, and saving labor by replacing heavy material handling labor.
　This special issue introduces transport system products, such as AGVs, and the basic technologies that support the development of these products.