Watch: Japan Airports Tests Using Humanoid Robots for Baggage Handling
[Video below.] Japan Airlines is set to begin testing robotic systems at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport starting in May, as part of a two-year pilot program designed to reduce the burden on ground staff.
At the outset, the Chinese-built machines will be used to handle the loading and unloading of cargo containers, according to a demonstration held Monday by JAL and its project partner, GMO AI & Robotics.
The move comes as Japan’s aviation sector faces a growing labor shortage, driven by a surge in incoming tourists alongside a shrinking workforce. JAL, which employs roughly 4,000 ground handling workers, is among the companies feeling the strain.
Looking ahead, the airline is considering expanding the use of robots to include tasks such as cabin cleaning and operating various types of ground support equipment.
Automation is already present at some airports across Japan, where robots are being used for duties like security patrols and assisting in retail areas.
Travel demand has been strong, with more than seven million international visitors arriving in Japan during the first two months of the year, according to data from JTB Group, the country’s largest travel agency.
“While airports appear highly automated and standardised, their back-end operations still rely heavily on human labour and face serious labour shortages,” GMO AI & Robotics’ president Tomohiro Uchida told reporters.
Company officials say introducing robots for physically intensive work is expected to ease the strain on employees. As Kyodo news agency reported, Yoshiteru Suzuk, president of JAL’s Ground Service division, said such technology will “provide significant benefits to employees”.
Even so, he emphasized that certain responsibilities—particularly those related to safety oversight—will continue to require human workers.
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