Japan Airlines Trials Humanoid Robots at Haneda Airport Amid Labor Shortages
Japan Airlines is set to trial humanoid robots for ground handling operations at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, in response to labor shortages in the aviation industry. The initiative, developed in partnership with GMO Internet Group, will begin in May and marks one of the first real-world deployments of human-shaped robots in airport ramp operations. These robots, manufactured by Unitree Robotics, are designed to assist with tasks such as loading baggage and handling cargo, which are traditionally labor-intensive. The trial will run through 2028, with robots initially operating in controlled environments before being gradually introduced into live airport workflows. The move is part of a broader trend towards automation in airport operations globally, as the industry seeks to address labor shortages exacerbated by an aging population and increasing travel demand. 
