- Japan Airlines (JAL) will commence a two-year trial using humanoid robots for ground handling tasks at Tokyo's Haneda airport from May.
- The project, in partnership with GMO AI & Robotics, aims to alleviate staff pressure and address labour shortages exacerbated by increased tourism and a declining working-age population.
- Initially, the robots will focus on cargo handling, with future plans to expand to aircraft cabin cleaning and operating ground support equipment.
- Humanoid machines were selected for their ability to integrate into existing airport facilities and aircraft layouts without significant modifications, unlike fixed automated systems.
- The phased trial will first assess robot safety at airport sites before moving to operational checks mirroring real conditions, with a long-term goal for autonomous operation.
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