Why are robots being introduced? Officials point to widespread labor shortages and a surge in tourism.
Tokyo’s Haneda airport, also called Tokyo International, ranked as the third busiest airport globally in 2025, with over 91 million travelers. It serves as the main hub for Japan Airlines and has been adapting to passenger demands for nearly a century. In response to current challenges, robots are being introduced.
On April 27, a new pilot program was announced to deploy humanoid robot baggage handlers at Haneda’s tarmac, aiming to mitigate labor shortages in the country. The trial begins in early May, extending through 2028, with robots assigned routine tasks alongside the airport’s ground services team.
Tomohiro Uchida, president of GMO AI and Robotics, stated, “Although airports might seem highly automated, their backend operations still significantly rely on human labor and experience substantial labor shortages.”
Airport ground service president, Yoshiteru Suzuki, remarked that the robots would “significantly lessen workers’ burdens and benefit employees.” The robots, manufactured by Unitree and known for the ‘robot dogs’ tested for military use, stand at 4 feet.
The pilot’s initial phase involves mapping the airport and analyzing human work patterns to determine areas suitable for robot operations. The robots will first perform tasks in simulated airport settings before transitioning to actual work environments. Initially, they will handle moving baggage onto conveyor belts and later take on custodial duties like cleaning airplane cabins. Critical tasks, such as safety management, will remain under human supervision.
The robots require recharging after two to three hours of operation, offering them more frequent breaks than human workers.