Humanoid robots are coming to Japanese airports as labor shortages worsen

Japan Airlines will trial humanoid robots at Haneda Airport starting in May.

The robots, supplied and programmed with GMO Internet Group, will move luggage and cargo and later help with cleaning.

Human staff will still handle safety-critical tasks, while the pilot tests whether humanoid robots can do ground work better than past automation.

The move comes as Japan faces a shrinking workforce and record travel demand that are straining airport operations.