Japan Airlines Trials Humanoid Robots to Address Labor Shortages at Haneda Airport
Japan Airlines has begun testing humanoid robots for ground operations at Tokyo's Haneda Airport in response to labor shortages. Partnering with GMO AI & Robotics, the airline is trialing robots for tasks such as baggage loading and cabin cleaning. The initiative comes as Japan's aviation sector faces challenges from rising tourism demand and a shrinking workforce due to an aging population. The humanoid robots are expected to be deployed progressively across the airport, with the trial lasting for two years. The robots, produced by China's Unitree, are designed to perform tasks that were previously difficult for machines, thanks to advancements in joint dexterity and AI software.