Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched a major robotics trial at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, introducing humanoid robots to help handle baggage and cargo.
The airline has partnered with GMO AI & Robotics Trading to test 130-centimeter-tall humanoid robots made by Unitree Robotics. The pilot program will begin in May 2026 and run for two years through 2028.
The move marks one of the most ambitious attempts yet by a major airline to use humanoid robots in daily airport operations. JAL hopes the machines will reduce the physical burden placed on ground workers while helping maintain efficiency as passenger numbers continue to rise.
Japan’s aviation sector is under pressure from an aging population and a tourism boom.
The country has one of the world’s oldest populations, and many industries are struggling to recruit younger workers.
Airports have been hit especially hard because baggage handling and cargo movement require physically demanding labor, often in harsh outdoor conditions.
At the same time, tourism in Japan continues to surge. International arrivals have climbed sharply as global travel rebounds, creating more demand for airport staff and smoother operations.
Japan Airlines believes robotics can help bridge that gap.
By assigning repetitive and physically taxing work to machines, the airline hopes to protect human workers from injuries, reduce fatigue, and keep airport services running smoothly during busy travel seasons.
During the first phase of the trial, the humanoid robots will focus on baggage and cargo handling on the tarmac.
That includes moving suitcases, loading items onto conveyor systems, and transporting cargo containers in designated work zones.
The robots stand about 130 centimeters tall, making them compact enough to work in airport environments while still capable of performing lifting and pushing duties.
JAL has stressed that the robots will support workers rather than replace them entirely. Human employees will continue managing safety-critical decisions, aircraft movement coordination, and final operational oversight.
If the initial phase succeeds, Japan Airlines plans to expand the robots’ responsibilities.
Haneda Airport is one of the busiest airports in Asia and a key gateway to Tokyo handling millions of domestic and international passengers each year.
If humanoid robots can succeed in the demanding environment of Haneda, the concept could expand to other Japanese airports and eventually global aviation hubs.
Japan Airlines has framed the program as a support system, not a replacement strategy.
The airline says robots will handle repetitive heavy lifting while human staff focus on supervision, coordination, and tasks requiring judgment and safety awareness.
