Japan Airlines and GMO Launch Robot Luggage Transport Pilot at Haneda Airport
Japan Airlines (JAL) and GMO Internet Group will begin a pilot project in May 2026 to test humanoid robots for luggage handling at Haneda Airport, Tokyo. This initiative aims to address labor shortages and improve efficiency in ground services amid rising tourism and an aging population in Japan.
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Japan Airlines and GMO Internet Group will initiate a pilot project using humanoid robots for luggage transport at Haneda Airport starting May 2026, expected to last until 2028. This project is the first of its kind in Japan, responding to increasing tourist traffic and a labor shortage exacerbated by an aging demographic.
JAL's subsidiary responsible for ground services will collaborate with GMO's AI and robotics division. The robots, produced in China, will operate continuously for 2-3 hours. Future expansions may include applications in cleaning aircraft cabins. The ongoing workforce challenge in Japan highlights the urgent need for automation in various sectors.
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