NEC and Japan Post Begin Feasibility Tests on Quantum-Supported Urban Parcel Delivery
February 3, 2021
Quantum Logistics in the Heart of Tokyo
As e-commerce demand in Japan surges, urban logistics networks are under growing pressure to deliver parcels faster, more accurately, and with fewer emissions. In response, NEC and Japan Post launched a pilot program exploring how quantum computing could address these challenges in the highly congested Tokyo metro area.
The project uses NEC’s quantum annealing-based optimization engine to perform real-time routing simulations for parcel delivery vehicles across selected wards in central Tokyo. The focus is on modeling complex delivery scenarios where traditional route-planning tools struggle with efficiency and adaptability.
Technical Highlights of the Pilot
The feasibility study focuses on optimizing three key components of last-mile logistics:
Dynamic route recomputation to adjust for traffic, weather, and delivery cancellations
Parcel clustering algorithms that assign packages to delivery zones using real-time density and volume data
Driver load balancing to ensure equitable and efficient distribution of parcel volumes across personnel
NEC’s quantum-inspired optimization tool translates these logistics constraints into QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) problems, allowing it to find better-than-classical solutions in tight timeframes.
Simulation Areas and Scope
During February 2021, simulations were conducted on live datasets covering Tokyo’s Chiyoda, Shibuya, and Bunkyo wards—zones known for high population density and complex delivery patterns. NEC and Japan Post used:
Live GPS and delivery point data from Japan Post’s parcel fleet
Traffic congestion patterns obtained from city sensors and Google API feeds
Workforce scheduling datasets to model handoffs, breaks, and shifts
Measurable Improvements in Routing Efficiency
Early results from February’s feasibility study showed several promising metrics:
13% reduction in total delivery distance, thanks to quantum-enhanced route clustering
11% better on-time delivery performance under peak load scenarios
Reduced backtracking and idle time by optimizing package-to-route matching
These outcomes point to potential fuel savings, faster delivery turnarounds, and improved worker satisfaction in high-volume zones.
Strategic Rationale for Quantum Testing
Japan Post's involvement is part of its medium-term logistics modernization strategy, which includes digital twins, AI forecasting, and smart routing. By adding quantum computing to this stack, Japan Post aims to future-proof its capabilities as parcel volumes continue rising due to e-commerce and aging demographics.
For NEC, the collaboration offers a valuable real-world testing ground for its quantum-inspired technology platform. While Japan's homegrown quantum processors are still in early stages, NEC's hybrid architecture bridges the gap by using classical systems designed to simulate quantum behavior efficiently.
Government and Ecosystem Support
This pilot aligns with broader Japanese national initiatives:
Japan’s Moonshot R&D Program (Goal 6), which promotes quantum breakthroughs for societal infrastructure
METI’s Logistics DX Strategy, encouraging public-private partnerships in next-generation supply chain technologies
Support from RIKEN’s quantum software community, where NEC is an active member
Together, these efforts signal a coordinated push to embed quantum solutions in industrial contexts, starting with transportation and logistics.
Looking Ahead: Toward Deployment
If feasibility testing continues to show positive results, NEC and Japan Post plan to expand the quantum routing trial to include:
Suburban and peri-urban delivery zones in Saitama and Kanagawa
Multi-modal handoffs, integrating bike and drone couriers
Cold-chain deliveries where timing precision is critical
By mid-2022, NEC hopes to integrate its quantum engine into Japan Post’s backend delivery management system, creating one of the first hybrid-quantum production deployments in Asia’s postal sector.
Implications for Global Logistics Players
This Tokyo-based pilot provides a roadmap for other dense urban regions looking to:
Tackle delivery inefficiencies under rising parcel loads
Reduce environmental impact through optimized routing
Integrate quantum technology with existing logistics tech stacks
As NEC continues refining its platform and Japan Post scales its trials, their results may influence how cities like Seoul, New York, and London approach quantum logistics in the coming years.
Conclusion: Quantum Delivery Optimization in Motion
NEC and Japan Post’s February 2021 pilot represents a meaningful early application of quantum optimization in real-world logistics. By applying quantum-inspired technologies to complex routing and delivery challenges in one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas, the two partners are testing the boundaries of what next-generation computation can deliver for society.
While still in the feasibility stage, the measurable gains in efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness indicate that hybrid quantum solutions may soon have a tangible role in last-mile delivery operations. As the technology matures and Japan’s broader quantum ecosystem develops, projects like this one could redefine urban logistics not only in Tokyo but across global megacities facing similar challenges.
With NEC’s platform evolving and Japan Post preparing for broader implementation, the foundation is being laid for scalable, secure, and sustainable quantum-driven logistics—making the promise of quantum computing a visible part of everyday infrastructure.