Japan Airlines tests humanoid robots in baggage handling

From May, the robots will start loading luggage onto the planes. If the trial is successful, they could become a permanent feature in the operation. This is reported by The Guardian.

The pressure on airports in Japan has increased as tourism has reached record levels, partly driven by a weak currency that has made the country more affordable for foreign visitors.

At the same time, Japan is grappling with an ageing population and low birth rates. According to forecasts, millions more workers are needed to meet growth, which is driving automation in several industries.

During a demonstration, the airline showed how a 130-centimetre-tall humanoid loads bags onto a luggage conveyor. The robots can work for two to three hours before needing to be charged.

They will initially not be used for safety-critical tasks, but may eventually take on more duties, such as cleaning aircraft.

Japan received 42.7 million international visitors last year - the highest number so far.