Japan’s railway company JR Tokai is preparing to launch the S0 Series Shinkansen, the first bullet train with full autonomous operation. The new model will start service on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines in July 2029, offering a glimpse of future rail travel.

The S0 Series trains will run, stop and adjust their speed automatically by using timetable information and train‑radio signals. This autonomous control is designed to make each journey more energy‑efficient while following the planned schedule.

A new earthquake detection system on the S0 Series cuts the time between quake detection and braking to about one‑tenth of current times. Faster braking helps protect passengers and infrastructure during seismic events.

Drivers will still handle train departure from stations and will apply the brakes in emergencies. The train’s twisted nose design is expected to lower electricity consumption by 6 % compared with the N700S Series, reducing overall energy use.