Tokyo's Haneda Airport became the first major international hub to deploy humanoid robots for ground operations as Japan Airlines launched a two-year trial that could reshape how airports handle labor shortages.

The airline partnered with GMO AI & Robotics to test robots for baggage loading, cabin cleaning, and passenger assistance starting in May, according to a joint statement Monday. The robots, which include models from China's Unitree, can slide payloads across conveyor belts, wave to passengers, and shake hands with human coworkers.

The move comes as Japan's aviation sector struggles with rising tourism demand and a shrinking workforce driven by an aging population. International arrivals rose 3.5% in March from a year earlier, increasing pressure on airport operations just as Japan's working-age population is projected to decline by 31% from 2023 to 2060.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's tougher immigration policies have made the government "very much encourage the deployment of humanoids in Japan," according to Marc Einstein, research director from Counterpoint Research. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry published guidelines in March on using robotics and AI to address workforce challenges caused by the "declining birthrate and aging population."

Barclays estimates the physical AI industry could grow from $2-3 billion today to $1.4 trillion by 2035. In China, robotics firms like Unitree, Agibot, and Galbot are advancing affordable humanoid development. Hangzhou-based Unitree became the first to receive IPO approval in March, planning to raise roughly $614 million.

Despite rapid progress, analysts remain cautious. "These robots, they're just not very smart yet," Einstein said. The deployment will likely still require human oversight, and the programming involved in humanoid technologies remains largely underdeveloped. However, Counterpoint estimates larger-scale deployment could be no longer than five years away.

Japan Airlines shares rose around 3% on the first trading day of May but remain 13% lower this year. The trial represents a test case for whether humanoid robots can meaningfully address Japan's chronic labor shortage or remain expensive curiosities requiring more human help than they provide.