(Joint Release) First in Japan: Demonstration Experiment of Humanoid Robots in Airports to Begin
JAL Grand Service and GMO AI & Robotics Commercial will begin a demonstration experiment in May 2026, introducing humanoid robots for the first time in Japan for airport ground handling operations. The goal is to resolve labor shortages and reduce workload, aiming to establish a sustainable operational system by integrating AI and robotics.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 02:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 17:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 02:56 (9h 24m after Collected)
April 27, 2026
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
JAL Grand Service Co., Ltd.
GMO AI & Robotics Commercial, Inc.
JAL Grand Service Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Miki Suzuki, hereinafter "JGS"), responsible for ground handling operations (such as aircraft towing and baggage/cargo loading and unloading) at major domestic airports within the JAL Group, and GMO AI & Robotics Commercial, Inc. (President and CEO: Tomohiro Uchida, hereinafter "GMO AIR"), which promotes the social implementation of AI and robotics within the GMO Internet Group, will commence a demonstration experiment in May 2026, marking the first time in Japan (※) for the utilization of humanoid robots in airports.
(※) As of April 26, 2026, according to research by the three companies.
Ground handling operations are conducted in an environment predicated on manual labor, involving the handling of various types of GSE (Ground Support Equipment) in confined spaces around aircraft. It has been difficult for conventional fixed automated equipment and single-function robots to flexibly adapt to existing infrastructure and complex operational flows. Therefore, this project focuses on "humanoid robots," which possess mobility and adaptability comparable to humans, and will begin a demonstration experiment. Being human-shaped allows for introduction without significant modifications to existing airport facilities or aircraft structures, and future expectations include versatile application to a wide range of tasks, from baggage loading to cabin cleaning, and even GSE operation. By fusing cutting-edge AI technology with the flexibility unique to humanoid forms, the aim is to realize a sustainable operational system through labor savings and reduction of work burden.
【Background】
Currently, the aviation industry faces a severe shortage of personnel in ground handling due to an expanding demand fueled by inbound tourism growth, coupled with a declining working-age population. Ground handling operations require advanced skills to ensure safety, such as aircraft guidance and baggage/cargo loading and unloading, and also involve significant physical burden.
In response to this situation, JGS and GMO AIR have agreed to leverage their respective strengths and initiate a demonstration experiment to verify the potential for humanoid robot utilization in ground handling operations, with the aim of labor saving and burden reduction.
【Overview of the Demonstration Experiment】
This project, commencing in May 2026, will proceed with mid-to-long term and phased verification. In the initial stage, operations at airport sites will be visualized and analyzed to identify areas where humanoid robots can safely operate. Subsequently, repeated operational verification will be conducted assuming actual airport environments. Ultimately, by having humanoid robots complement human work, the goal is to realize a sustainable operational system through labor savings and reduction of work burden.
■Details of the Demonstration Experiment
Item | Content
---|---
Initiative Period | May 2026 - 2028 (planned)
Objective | Labor saving and efficiency improvement in ground handling operations through the use of humanoid robots
Scope of Study | All ground handling operations (baggage/cargo loading and unloading, cabin cleaning, etc.)
Target Airport | Haneda Airport
■Respective Roles
JAL Grand Service Co., Ltd. will leverage its experience and technology in ground handling, cultivated since its establishment in 1951, to provide airport site knowledge, define operational requirements, and evaluate conformity to safety standards. Based on extensive operational achievements at major domestic airports, it will promote the identification of challenges for practical implementation and the consideration of solutions.
GMO AI & Robotics Commercial, Inc., as a trading company responsible for the AI and robotics business within the GMO Internet Group, will be in charge of providing humanoid robots and developing/optimizing their operating programs. Utilizing the know-how gained from on-site utilization of humanoid robots through its "Humanoid Dispatch Service" and the "GMO Humanoid Lab Shibuya Showcase," a physical AI research and development base opened on April 7, 2026, the company will build robot solutions suitable for airport operations.
【Future Outlook】
Through this project, both companies aim to establish an environment where humanoid robots can operate safely and effectively in airport operations. By presenting new solutions using AI and robotics technology for the industry-wide challenge of labor shortages in ground handling operations, they will contribute to the sustainable development of the aviation industry and the promotion of work style reforms in airports.
Furthermore, the GMO Internet Group has positioned 2026 as the "Humanoid First Year" and is working to solve social issues through the fusion of AI and robotics. This demonstration experiment is positioned as an important step to accelerate the social implementation of humanoid robots, and the group will continue to collaborate with various industries going forward.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
JAL Grand Service Co., Ltd.
GMO AI & Robotics Commercial, Inc.
JAL Grand Service Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Miki Suzuki, hereinafter "JGS"), responsible for ground handling operations (such as aircraft towing and baggage/cargo loading and unloading) at major domestic airports within the JAL Group, and GMO AI & Robotics Commercial, Inc. (President and CEO: Tomohiro Uchida, hereinafter "GMO AIR"), which promotes the social implementation of AI and robotics within the GMO Internet Group, will commence a demonstration experiment in May 2026, marking the first time in Japan (※) for the utilization of humanoid robots in airports.
(※) As of April 26, 2026, according to research by the three companies.
Ground handling operations are conducted in an environment predicated on manual labor, involving the handling of various types of GSE (Ground Support Equipment) in confined spaces around aircraft. It has been difficult for conventional fixed automated equipment and single-function robots to flexibly adapt to existing infrastructure and complex operational flows. Therefore, this project focuses on "humanoid robots," which possess mobility and adaptability comparable to humans, and will begin a demonstration experiment. Being human-shaped allows for introduction without significant modifications to existing airport facilities or aircraft structures, and future expectations include versatile application to a wide range of tasks, from baggage loading to cabin cleaning, and even GSE operation. By fusing cutting-edge AI technology with the flexibility unique to humanoid forms, the aim is to realize a sustainable operational system through labor savings and reduction of work burden.
【Background】
Currently, the aviation industry faces a severe shortage of personnel in ground handling due to an expanding demand fueled by inbound tourism growth, coupled with a declining working-age population. Ground handling operations require advanced skills to ensure safety, such as aircraft guidance and baggage/cargo loading and unloading, and also involve significant physical burden.
In response to this situation, JGS and GMO AIR have agreed to leverage their respective strengths and initiate a demonstration experiment to verify the potential for humanoid robot utilization in ground handling operations, with the aim of labor saving and burden reduction.
【Overview of the Demonstration Experiment】
This project, commencing in May 2026, will proceed with mid-to-long term and phased verification. In the initial stage, operations at airport sites will be visualized and analyzed to identify areas where humanoid robots can safely operate. Subsequently, repeated operational verification will be conducted assuming actual airport environments. Ultimately, by having humanoid robots complement human work, the goal is to realize a sustainable operational system through labor savings and reduction of work burden.
■Details of the Demonstration Experiment
Item | Content
---|---
Initiative Period | May 2026 - 2028 (planned)
Objective | Labor saving and efficiency improvement in ground handling operations through the use of humanoid robots
Scope of Study | All ground handling operations (baggage/cargo loading and unloading, cabin cleaning, etc.)
Target Airport | Haneda Airport
■Respective Roles
JAL Grand Service Co., Ltd. will leverage its experience and technology in ground handling, cultivated since its establishment in 1951, to provide airport site knowledge, define operational requirements, and evaluate conformity to safety standards. Based on extensive operational achievements at major domestic airports, it will promote the identification of challenges for practical implementation and the consideration of solutions.
GMO AI & Robotics Commercial, Inc., as a trading company responsible for the AI and robotics business within the GMO Internet Group, will be in charge of providing humanoid robots and developing/optimizing their operating programs. Utilizing the know-how gained from on-site utilization of humanoid robots through its "Humanoid Dispatch Service" and the "GMO Humanoid Lab Shibuya Showcase," a physical AI research and development base opened on April 7, 2026, the company will build robot solutions suitable for airport operations.
【Future Outlook】
Through this project, both companies aim to establish an environment where humanoid robots can operate safely and effectively in airport operations. By presenting new solutions using AI and robotics technology for the industry-wide challenge of labor shortages in ground handling operations, they will contribute to the sustainable development of the aviation industry and the promotion of work style reforms in airports.
Furthermore, the GMO Internet Group has positioned 2026 as the "Humanoid First Year" and is working to solve social issues through the fusion of AI and robotics. This demonstration experiment is positioned as an important step to accelerate the social implementation of humanoid robots, and the group will continue to collaborate with various industries going forward.