Japan is preparing to test humanoid robots for airport baggage handling, with trials set to begin in May 2026.
The project, led by Japan Airlines and GMO AI & Robotics Trading, will introduce human-like robots to assist with loading, unloading, and transporting baggage as part of ground operations.
Testing will take place at Haneda Airport and is expected to run through 2028, allowing companies to evaluate how the robots perform in real working conditions. Rather than replacing workers, the machines are designed to support staff in physically demanding roles.
Currently, the robots can operate for around two to three hours before needing to recharge.
The initiative aims to address Japan’s growing labor shortage, particularly in airport operations that still rely heavily on manual work behind the scenes.
If successful, the program could expand to other tasks such as aircraft cleaning, marking a broader shift toward integrating humanoid robots into airport systems.