August M
A major shift is coming to one of Asia’s busiest airports.
Human workers may soon share the runway with machines designed to take over physically demanding tasks, reports The Guardian.
Robots join workforce
Japan Airlines is set to introduce humanoid robots to assist with baggage handling at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, according to The Guardian.
The trial, starting in May, will test whether robots can help ease pressure on ground staff as passenger numbers rise.
Haneda is one of the world’s busiest hubs, serving more than 60 million travellers each year.
Labour shortage grows
The move comes as Japan faces a growing shortage of workers, driven by an ageing population and declining birth rate.
According to The Guardian, the airline hopes the robots will help offset increasing demand linked to a tourism boom.
More than 7 million visitors arrived in Japan in the first two months of 2026 alone, following a record year for international travel.
How they work
The robots, built by Chinese company Unitree, stand about 130cm tall and are designed to move cargo and luggage on the tarmac.
During a demonstration, one robot was seen pushing items onto a conveyor belt near an aircraft.
They can operate for two to three hours at a time before needing to recharge.
Supporting staff
Japan Airlines said the goal is not to replace human workers but to reduce physical strain.
Yoshiteru Suzuki, president of JAL Ground Service, said the technology would “inevitably reduce the burden on workers and provide significant benefits to employees,” according to Kyodo News.
However, critical roles such as safety management will remain in human hands.
Future expansion
The experiment is expected to run until 2028, with the possibility of wider adoption if successful.
Developers are also exploring additional uses, including cleaning aircraft cabins.
Industry experts say automation could become essential as Japan’s workforce continues to shrink and demand for services grows.
Sources: The Guardian, Kyodo News
