Fukuoka Smart East
Fukuoka City has played a key role as gateway to Japan for the rest of Asia for more than 2,000 years. Its close proximity to the continent gives Fukuoka a geographical advantage as a business location since it is very easy to make one-day trips to major cities such as Taipei, Shanghai and Seoul, etc.
Being endowed with an abundance of young talent, convenient access to its center via compactly connected urban functions such as its port and airport, reasonable business cost, and the lower price and property rent levels, Fukuoka has a number of competitive advantages over other Japanese cities.
Through its designation as a “National Strategic Special Zone for Global Startups and Job Creation” in 2014, Fukuoka has been hard at work to transform itself into the world’s most startup-friendly city. Fukuoka is a city with pioneering spirit, striving to find solutions for social issues by utilizing deregulation measures under the special zone scheme.
Fukuoka Smart East is revolutionary project to create a model city for the future. The project will overcome urban and social development challenges such as Japan's aging population and declining birthrate, while continuing to develop sustainably by introducing cutting-edge technological innovations that create comfortable and high-quality lifestyles and urban spaces. As its first pioneering initiative, the project will begin with the urban redevelopment of Hakozaki.
Demonstration of automated package delivery robot successfully carried out
Solution Description
Fukuoka City and the Fukuoka Directive Council held an event where local residents could see advanced technologies as part of the "Fukuoka Smart East" initiative.
Delivery robot outline: A small package carrier that travels automatically, can avoid people and obstacles, and travel safely along narrow passages. It can also track leading people, such as delivery workers.
If this vehicle is put into practical use, it will be possible to deliver packages on a narrow aisle or a busy street without relying on trucks and others, and it will also be possible for elderly people and children who have difficulty carrying heavy packages. We expect that it is also useful for parents with children in their arms.
Building the Future of Fukuoka
To succeed, the project needs contributions from local community members, field experts, and those who are passionate about cutting-edge technology that will solve social issues. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the Fukuoka Smart East initiative, please don’t hesitate to contact us at this address:SmartEAST.HUPB@city.fukuoka.lg.jp