Japan Airlines (JAL) and IT company GMO Internet Group will conduct a demonstration experiment using humanoid robots for cargo transportation at Tokyo Haneda Airport.

This initiative aims to address the severe labor shortage, marking the first time humanoid robots will be deployed at a Japanese airport.

According to the Nikkei Shimbun on the 27th, the two companies will verify the efficiency and safety of humanoid robots at Haneda Airport from next month until 2028.

The experiment will involve Chinese robot startup Unitree Robotics' 'G1' (130 cm tall) and Ubtech Robotics' 'Walker X' (172 cm tall).

The robots will perform the task of loading cargo-filled containers onto aircraft.

Japan Airlines plans to consider expanding their use to in-cabin cleaning in the future.

Haneda Airport Departure Hall [Kyodo News Agency file photo]

The key reasons for adopting humanoid robots are 'facility compatibility' and 'cost reduction'.

Airport facilities are fundamentally designed with human movement in mind, so introducing new dedicated equipment would require extensive facility renovations.

In contrast, humanoids, which mimic the human form, can utilize existing facilities as they are, offering the advantage of significantly lowering initial investment costs.

A major objective is to resolve the labor shortage in 'ground handling' operations, such as cargo loading/unloading and aircraft maintenance, which have been persistent challenges in the aviation industry.

Tasks like cargo loading and aircraft guidance require high levels of skill and involve significant physical strain, leading to difficulties in securing personnel.

JAL plans to reduce workload and enhance airport operational efficiency through the introduction of humanoids.