Japan Airlines to trial robots at Tokyo’s Haneda airport to load baggage

Japan Airlines began testing humanoid robots for ground operations at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport amid chronic labor shortages.

The airline is partnering with GMO AI & Robotics to trial robots for tasks such as baggage loading and cabin cleaning starting in May, according to a joint statement Monday.

The initiative comes as Japan’s aviation sector struggles with rising tourism demand and a shrinking workforce, driven by an aging population.

Japan Airlines said the humanoid robots are expected to be deployed progressively across Haneda Airport, with the trial lasting for two years.

In a video demonstration of the technology, a humanoid robot produced by China’s Unitree can be seen sliding a payload across a conveyor belt, waving to onlookers, and shaking a coworker’s hand. 

Shares of Japan Airlines rose 3.4% in the first trading day of May, but were trading around 13% lower so far this year.

Unitree, one of China’s leading robotics firms, debuted its flagship H1 model in a Kung Fu demonstration at China’s Spring Festival Gala in February to much fanfare.

It is, however, unclear whether Unitree is directly involved in the Haneda Airport trial or is part of a broader evaluation of commercially available humanoid technologies. In a response to CNBC’s queries, Japan Airlines said that “feasibility studies and risk assessments” were ongoing.

Unitree did not respond to CNBC’s requests for comment.

Japan’s working-age population is projected to decline by 31% from 2023 to 2060, according to an employment outlook by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Marc Einstein, research director from Counter Research, expects humanoid robots to play an increasing role in Japan’s workforce.

With Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s support base premised on tougher immigration policies, Einstein expects the government to “very much encourage the deployment of humanoids in Japan.”

In March, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published guidelines on the use of robotics and artificial intelligence to address workforce challenges, including “decreasing labor caused by a declining birthrate and aging population.”

Data from Japan’s National Tourism Organization showed international arrivals rose 3.5% in March from a year earlier, increasing pressure on airport operations.

Humanoid robot capabilities have advanced considerably in recent years, with developments in joint dexterity and advances in AI software enabling tasks that “they absolutely couldn’t have done even a few years ago,” Einstein said.

Barclays described physical robotics as the “next frontier” in AI development, as firms seek to merge physical automation with artificial intelligence. The bank estimates the physical AI industry — presently valued at $2 billion to $3 billion — could grow to as much as $1.4 trillion by 2035, according to a February research note.

Physical AI refers to systems that combine AI with machines capable of performing real-world physical tasks, from robotics to driverless cars.

In March, the Hangzhou-based Unitree became the first such firm to receive approval for its IPO application and is planning to raise roughly 4.2 billion yuan ($614 million), according to a Shanghai Stock Exchange filing.

Despite rapid technological progress, it remains unclear whether humanoid robots can fully address Japan’s chronic labor shortage.

Analysts have previously told CNBC that humanoids still lack the dexterity for more delicate tasks and precise movements.

Einstein said the programming and reasoning involved in humanoid technologies remain largely underdeveloped. The deployment of these humanoid robots will likely still require human involvement, he added.

“These robots, they’re just not very smart yet,” Einstein said.

Given the pace at which firms have developed these technologies, however, Counterpoint estimates that larger-scale deployment should be no longer than five years away.

— CNBC’s Evelyn Cheng contributed to this report.