GMO AI & Robotics and JAL Grand Service Launch Japan's First Humanoid Robot Demonstration at Airport
GMO AI & Robotics (GMO AIR) and JAL Grand Service (JGS) will begin a demonstration project in May 2026 at Haneda Airport to utilize humanoid robots for ground handling operations, aiming to solve labor shortages and reduce physical workload.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 21:00
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JAL Grand Service Co., Ltd. (JGS), responsible for ground handling operations at major Japanese airports for the JAL Group, and GMO AI & Robotics Trading Co., Ltd. (GMO AIR), a promoter of AI and robotics implementation within the GMO Internet Group, will launch Japan's first demonstration experiment for the utilization of humanoid robots at airports starting May 2026.
Ground handling operations involve handling diverse types of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) in limited spaces around aircraft, historically relying on human manual labor. Traditional fixed automation or single-function robots found it difficult to adapt flexibly to existing infrastructure and complex task flows. This project focuses on 'humanoid robots' which possess a range of motion and adaptability equivalent to humans. Their humanoid form allows for deployment without major modifications to current airport facilities or aircraft structures. In the future, versatile applications are expected, ranging from baggage loading and cabin cleaning to operating GSE. By merging cutting-edge AI technology with humanoid flexibility, the project aims to realize a sustainable operational system through labor saving and reduction of physical workload.
[Summary of the Demonstration]
The aviation industry faces a serious talent shortage in ground handling due to expanding demand from inbound tourism coupled with a declining working-age population. Ground handling requires high skill levels for safety (e.g., aircraft guidance, baggage loading) while involving heavy physical strain. Recognizing this, JGS and GMO AIR have agreed to verify the potential of humanoid robots to save labor and reduce loads.
The demonstration starting in May 2026 will proceed in medium-to-long-term phases. Initially, it will visualize and analyze airport site operations to identify areas where robots can work safely. Subsequently, repeated motion testing in simulated airport environments will be conducted, aiming for a system where robots complement human tasks.
Items and Details:
- Period: May 2026 to 2028 (planned)
- Purpose: Labor saving and efficiency through humanoid use in ground handling
- Scope: General ground handling (baggage/cargo loading, cabin cleaning, etc.)
- Location: Haneda Airport
Roles:
- JAL Grand Service: Provides airport operational expertise, defines task requirements, and evaluates compliance with safety standards based on extensive experience since 1951.
- GMO AI & Robotics: Provides humanoid robots and develops/optimizes motion programs. They will utilize know-how from their 'Humanoid Dispatch Service' and the 'GMO Humanoid Lab Shibuya Showcase' (opened April 7, 2026) to build airport-specific solutions.
[Future Outlook]
Both companies aim to create an environment where humanoid robots can operate safely and effectively. By offering new solutions through AI and robotics to the industry-wide challenge of labor shortages, they contribute to the sustainable development of aviation and work-style reforms. GMO Internet Group positions 2026 as the 'Humanoid Era,' committed to solving social issues through the fusion of AI and robotics. This demonstration is a vital step in accelerating the social implementation of humanoids.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (URL: https://...)
Ground handling operations involve handling diverse types of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) in limited spaces around aircraft, historically relying on human manual labor. Traditional fixed automation or single-function robots found it difficult to adapt flexibly to existing infrastructure and complex task flows. This project focuses on 'humanoid robots' which possess a range of motion and adaptability equivalent to humans. Their humanoid form allows for deployment without major modifications to current airport facilities or aircraft structures. In the future, versatile applications are expected, ranging from baggage loading and cabin cleaning to operating GSE. By merging cutting-edge AI technology with humanoid flexibility, the project aims to realize a sustainable operational system through labor saving and reduction of physical workload.
[Summary of the Demonstration]
The aviation industry faces a serious talent shortage in ground handling due to expanding demand from inbound tourism coupled with a declining working-age population. Ground handling requires high skill levels for safety (e.g., aircraft guidance, baggage loading) while involving heavy physical strain. Recognizing this, JGS and GMO AIR have agreed to verify the potential of humanoid robots to save labor and reduce loads.
The demonstration starting in May 2026 will proceed in medium-to-long-term phases. Initially, it will visualize and analyze airport site operations to identify areas where robots can work safely. Subsequently, repeated motion testing in simulated airport environments will be conducted, aiming for a system where robots complement human tasks.
Items and Details:
- Period: May 2026 to 2028 (planned)
- Purpose: Labor saving and efficiency through humanoid use in ground handling
- Scope: General ground handling (baggage/cargo loading, cabin cleaning, etc.)
- Location: Haneda Airport
Roles:
- JAL Grand Service: Provides airport operational expertise, defines task requirements, and evaluates compliance with safety standards based on extensive experience since 1951.
- GMO AI & Robotics: Provides humanoid robots and develops/optimizes motion programs. They will utilize know-how from their 'Humanoid Dispatch Service' and the 'GMO Humanoid Lab Shibuya Showcase' (opened April 7, 2026) to build airport-specific solutions.
[Future Outlook]
Both companies aim to create an environment where humanoid robots can operate safely and effectively. By offering new solutions through AI and robotics to the industry-wide challenge of labor shortages, they contribute to the sustainable development of aviation and work-style reforms. GMO Internet Group positions 2026 as the 'Humanoid Era,' committed to solving social issues through the fusion of AI and robotics. This demonstration is a vital step in accelerating the social implementation of humanoids.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (URL: https://...)