Robots at Work: How Japan Is Reorganising Everyday Working Life

Japan is renowned for its robotics industry. Yet the most interesting transformation is not currently taking place in research laboratories. It can be seen wherever workers are in short supply, physically demanding tasks need to be performed or safety must be maintained reliably.

Robots are therefore becoming less a symbol of the future and more a practical tool.

When Airports Are Short of Staff

Japan Airlines is testing a humanoid robot for ground handling at Haneda Airport. Among other tasks, the machine is intended to move freight containers and support employees with physically demanding work.

Its human-like form offers a practical advantage: a robot of this kind can generally operate in working environments originally designed for people. Stairs, narrow passages and existing equipment do not therefore need to be completely redesigned.

The project is still in its trial phase. Regular deployment is not expected before 2028 at the earliest.

Robotics Takes on the Unpleasant Tasks

New applications are also emerging in building cleaning. The Japanese company Iwith Robotics is developing a robot capable of cleaning toilet bowls independently using different brushes. The device requires approximately nine minutes to complete one cleaning cycle. Its market launch is planned by the end of 2026.

The robot is not intended to replace cleaning staff entirely. Instead, it takes over repetitive and physically unpleasant tasks. People remain responsible for supervision, floors, washbasins and consumable supplies.

This division of labour could become increasingly important: machines carry out standardised tasks, while employees focus on work that requires experience, attention and flexibility.

Japan’s robotics sector becomes particularly relevant where technology makes work not more spectacular, but safer and more reliable.

An Artificial Wolf Protects Airports and Communities

One particularly unusual example is the so-called Monster Wolf. The machine resembles an oversized predator and uses sensors to react to wild animals. Its movements, illuminated eyes and changing sounds are intended to deter bears, foxes and hares.

Municipalities and agricultural businesses already use such devices to protect fields and residential areas.

At Kushiro Airport in Hokkaido, a mobile version moves independently around the grounds. Its purpose is to prevent animals from entering runways. During trials, the number of recorded wild animals fell by approximately 60 per cent while the device was in operation.

Not Replacement, but Relief

These examples illustrate the direction in which robotics is developing in Japan. The focus is not on creating a perfect machine capable of doing everything, but on designing a system for one clearly defined task.

This is important because many of these systems remain in the testing phase. They must operate reliably, integrate safely into existing processes and prove economically viable. Questions of acceptance and responsibility also remain significant.

Nevertheless, a clear direction is emerging: Japan is increasingly deploying robots where workers are unavailable, tasks are physically demanding or essential services need to be secured.

The true future of robotics may therefore appear less spectacular than expected. It does not begin with a fully automated society, but with many small machines stepping in precisely where support is needed.