Japan is testing humanoid robots for use at airports — The Guardian
Japan Airlines plans to begin a trial run of humanoid robots for baggage handling at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport starting in May. This is intended to partially offset staff shortages and reduce the workload on employees.
The Guardian reports this.
The company plans to conduct trials through 2028. The Chinese-made robots will operate on the tarmac, moving baggage and cargo. Haneda Airport serves over 60 million passengers annually.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with Japan Airlines and GMO Internet Group. The company expects that the use of robots will help manage the growing tourist traffic and labor shortage.
During a demonstration for the media, the 130-centimeter-tall robot carefully moved cargo onto a conveyor belt near the aircraft and signaled to colleagues.
JAL Ground Service President Yoshiteru Suzuki stated that using robots for physically demanding work will reduce the burden on employees and provide tangible benefits. At the same time, he emphasized that key tasks, particularly safety checks, will remain the responsibility of humans.
Japan is facing a rise in tourist numbers and an aging population. In the first two months of 2026, over 7 million people visited the country, following a record 42.7 million last year.
It is estimated that by 2040, Japan will need more than 6.5 million foreign workers to sustain economic growth, as the local workforce shrinks.
GMO AI and Robotics noted that despite the high level of automation at airports, many processes still rely on people and are facing staff shortages. Robots can operate continuously for two to three hours, and there are plans to eventually deploy them for cleaning aircraft cabins as well.
As a reminder, China has opened its first super-factory for the production of humanoid robots (video)
Germany wants to ban nighttime operation of robotic lawn mowers due to hedgehogs.
Tesla will launch robot taxis in two more cities — Reuters.
