Japan Airlines to Deploy 'Humanoids' at Haneda Airport... Considering Future Use for Cabin Cleaning

An Attempt to Address Labor Shortages

Japan Airlines (JAL) and IT company GMO Internet Group are collaborating to conduct a trial using humanoid robots for cargo transport at Tokyo Haneda Airport. This initiative is aimed at addressing labor shortages, and it marks the first time humanoid robots will be deployed at a Japanese airport.

Travelers are heading to the departure hall at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. The photo was taken on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to foreign media outlets such as Nikkei on April 27, the two companies plan to verify the efficiency and safety of humanoid robots at Haneda Airport from next month until 2028.

This trial will involve the 'G1' (130 cm tall) from Chinese robotics startup Unitree Robotics and the 'Walker E' (172 cm tall) from UBTECH Robotics. These robots will be responsible for loading containers with cargo onto aircraft. Japan Airlines is also considering expanding the use of humanoid robots in the future to include tasks such as cabin cleaning.

The primary reason for introducing humanoid robots is their compatibility with existing facilities and the potential for cost reduction. Airports are designed around human movement, so introducing new equipment typically requires extensive renovations. However, humanoid robots can utilize existing infrastructure as is, significantly reducing the burden of initial investment.

Another major goal is to address the chronic shortage of ground handling staff in the aviation industry. Tasks such as cargo loading or aircraft marshaling require high skill levels and are physically demanding, making it difficult to secure sufficient workers. As a result, JAL plans to reduce work burdens and improve airport operational efficiency by introducing humanoid robots.

Meanwhile, the adoption of robotic services at airports is also expanding in Korea. In December last year, Incheon International Airport Corporation signed a 'business agreement for the expansion of AI and address-based mobility intelligence information projects' with Incheon City, Jung-gu Office, and others, and is currently conducting pilot operations of carrier delivery and patrol robot services. The carrier delivery robot is an autonomous robot that moves based on addresses and focuses on improving mobility for transportation-vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, people with disabilities, or travelers accompanied by infants. It can carry up to three pieces of luggage and can be used at the entrance to the transportation center of Terminal 1 at Incheon Airport (Basement Level 1 parking entrance) and the entrances to the arrival and departure halls.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.