Robotic cargo handlers go to work at Tokyo Airport

At Tokyo's Haneda Airport, an unusual experiment is about to be launched: humanoid robots will appear on the platform and take on part of the baggage handling work. The project was initiated by Japan Airlines, which was faced with an acute staff shortage amid a tourism boom.

Instead of looking for people to fill physically demanding positions, the company decided to test 130-centimeter robots from the Chinese manufacturer Unitree. Their task is to move suitcases and cargo to the planes. The tests are planned for several years, until 2028.

The main idea is not to replace employees, but to create a “second pair of hands” for them. The robots will work in 2-3 hour shifts, helping to cope with peak loads. In the future, they plan to involve them in cleaning aircraft interiors.