Humanoid Robots Take Over Baggage Handling at Japan's Haneda Airport

Air Taxis & DronesAutomated LogisticsRobotics

In a bid to alleviate labor shortages and improve efficiency, Japan Airlines is set to introduce humanoid robots to handle baggage at Haneda airport.

TL;DR
• Humanoid robots will be used to handle baggage at Haneda airport.
• The robots will be introduced on a trial basis from May 2026.
• The goal is to alleviate labor shortages and improve efficiency.

Summary
Japan Airlines (JAL) is testing humanoid robots at Haneda Airport to address labor shortages amid rising tourism. The trial, running until 2028, will deploy Chinese‑made Unitree robots to move luggage and cargo on the tarmac, with plans to expand to cabin cleaning.
• Deploy robots for repetitive, physically demanding tasks to reduce worker fatigue.
• Maintain human oversight for safety and critical decision points.
• Schedule regular charging cycles to ensure continuous operation.
• Integrate robots into existing workflows to complement, not replace, staff.

The initiative targets a workforce that is aging and shrinking, with Japan projected to need over 6.5 million foreign workers by 2040. JAL’s partnership with GMO Internet Group aims to offset the strain on ground staff, who handle more than 60 million passengers annually.

Robots can operate for two to three hours before recharging, allowing them to perform tasks such as pushing cargo onto conveyors and waving to colleagues. Human employees will still manage safety protocols and other key responsibilities, ensuring a balanced approach to automation.

By trialing robots in a high‑volume environment, JAL seeks to demonstrate that automation can enhance efficiency while preserving human judgment in critical areas. The project reflects a broader trend of integrating responsible technology to support labor‑intensive sectors without compromising safety or transparency.

As Japan continues to grapple with labor shortages and an aging population, the introduction of humanoid robots at Haneda airport marks a significant step towards a more efficient and automated future.