JAL Ground Service Co., Ltd., the ground handling arm of Japan Airlines, and GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co., Ltd., have launched Japan's first demonstration experiment using humanoid robots at airports, starting in May 2026.
The trial, set to run through 2028 at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, focuses on verifying the robots' potential to assist with labor-intensive tasks such as baggage and cargo handling. The companies aim to address labor shortages amid a tourism surge by reducing workloads and achieving operational efficiencies.
Initial phases involve visualizing and analyzing airport operations to pinpoint safe deployment areas for the robots, which offer human-like range of motion and adaptability. Subsequent tests will simulate real airport environments, with robots complementing human workers on heavy lifting duties while humans retain critical safety roles.
The robots can operate for several hours before recharging and may expand to tasks like aircraft cabin cleaning. The mid-to-long-term project seeks to establish sustainable structures for humanoid integration in frontline airport operations.