Japan Airlines is set to launch a two-year trial deploying humanoid robots from Chinese companies Unitree and UBTech to assist with ground-handling operations at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, marking a significant step in Japanese adoption of Chinese robotics amid shrinking labor resources.
- Two-year trial of humanoid robots to begin at Haneda Airport
- Robots from Chinese firms Unitree and UBTech will handle baggage and cargo
- Trial responds to Japan’s severe labor shortages in aviation sector
What happened
Japan Airlines announced a partnership with GMO AI & Robotics to deploy humanoid robots developed by Chinese companies Unitree and UBTech. The trial will run for two years starting this month at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. These robots will be engaged in various ground-handling duties such as towing aircraft, loading and unloading baggage and cargo, and performing cabin cleaning tasks.
Unitree’s G1 robot stands approximately 1.3 meters tall, designed for agility in industrial and logistic roles, while UBTech’s Walker E robot is taller at 1.72 meters and built for versatile humanoid functions. This marks Japan’s first official use of humanoid robots in airport operations, signaling an important milestone for automation in Japanese aviation.
Why it matters
Japan faces a critical labor shortage in its aviation industry due to an aging population and a surge in inbound tourism, making automation solutions increasingly important. By adopting Chinese humanoid robots, Japan Airlines is tapping into China’s dominant position in the global humanoid robotics market, where Chinese companies accounted for a majority of robot installations last year.
This trial not only aims to reduce workload and labor demands but also demonstrates growing cross-border technology adoption in Japan’s traditionally conservative industrial landscape. The outcome could influence broader deployment of robotics across Japan’s service and manufacturing sectors as the country confronts persistent demographic challenges.
What to watch next
The two-year trial at Haneda Airport will be closely monitored for operational performance, reliability, and labor savings achieved through humanoid robot deployment. Results could encourage wider use of Chinese robotics technology in Japan’s logistics, transportation, and healthcare sectors, as evidenced by recent trials at Japanese hospitals using Unitree robots.
Additionally, partnerships like UBTech’s with Honda’s China subsidiary suggest expanding collaboration between Chinese robotics firms and Japanese companies beyond aviation, potentially transforming industrial manufacturing and warehousing workflows. Observers should track regulatory, safety, and integration challenges as humanoid robots become more common in public-facing roles.