Japan Airlines to Trial Humanoid Ground-Crew Robots at Haneda Airport as Labor Shortage Bites

Japan Airlines (JAL) is turning to automation for physically demanding work such as handling baggage and cargo as Japan’s working-age population shrinks and airports face shortages of ground staff. Humanoid robots can use existing facilities and tools. If they can operate in the complex, dynamic environment of Haneda Airport’s apron, they could reduce the cost and time required for large-scale site modifications.

Japan Airlines said it would begin trials at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport in May 2026, deploying the G1 from Chinese robotics company Unitree and the Walker E from UBTECH for tasks including cargo handling on the apron. The tests will examine whether robots equipped with AI models can safely recognize their surroundings and operate reliably. The planned investment has not been disclosed.