Japan pushes AI-driven humanoid robots to offset shrinking workforce

Japan’s demographic decline has prompted a government goal of fielding 10 million AI-powered robots by 2040 to address acute labour gaps in sectors from healthcare to manufacturing. Zeals Co, a Tokyo AI startup, launched its D1 wheeled humanoid in August; the 129 cm robot features facial-recognition cameras, dual arms capable of lifting 5 kg, and a price starting at 5 million yen. After laboratory tests, a D1 unit was deployed at Juko Osu Hospital in Nagoya to guide visitors and clear dining tables, with the firm targeting 100 robots in service by March 2027 and a cumulative 10,000 operating hours.

Zeals is partnering with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance to provide specialised policies covering potential injury, property damage and cyber-risk. In Nagano, Kakuichi Co plans to bring in the Chinese-made Miyazawa Noah robot as a “new graduate” in April 2027, training it on the job across manufacturing and sales departments. Zeals hopes to eventually source all components domestically, underscoring Japan’s broader strategy to integrate robots alongside human workers rather than replace them.