Japan Targets 10 Million AI Robots by 2040 to Fill Labor Gaps
Japanese firms are deploying wheeled humanoids in hospitals and factories to offset severe staff shortages, with specific models costing around $32,000.
Key points
- Japan aims to deploy 10 million AI robots by 2040 to address severe labor shortages in healthcare and manufacturing.
- Zeals Co. launched the D1 robot, priced at 5 million yen, for tasks like table clearing and visitor guidance in hospitals.
- Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance offers specific coverage for robot-related risks, including physical damage and cyber-security breaches.
Japan is accelerating its reliance on artificial intelligence-driven robotics to counter a deepening labor crisis in healthcare and manufacturing. The government has established a national target to integrate ten million AI-powered robots into the workforce by 2040, a move driven by a shrinking population and an aging society that leaves many essential sectors understaffed.
This shift marks a departure from previous automation strategies, which focused primarily on repetitive mechanical tasks. The new wave of robotics emphasizes autonomous learning and human interaction, requiring machines to navigate complex social environments rather than just executing fixed commands. As reported by mainichi.jp, companies are now treating these machines as functional employees rather than mere tools.
Wheeled humanoids enter hospital trials
Zeals Co., a Tokyo-based startup, recently introduced the D1, a 129-centimeter-tall wheeled robot designed for indoor use. The unit is equipped with facial recognition cameras and dual arms that can lift objects weighing up to five kilograms each. Priced at approximately 5 million yen, or 32,000 dollars, the robot is positioned as a mid-range solution for service industries.
In late August, the D1 underwent a practical trial at Juko Osu Hospital in Nagoya, where it performed tasks such as guiding visitors and clearing dining tables. Zeals aims to produce 100 units by March 2027, with a goal of accumulating 10,000 hours of real-world operating time to refine its software. The company currently sources components from the United States and China, though it intends to transition to domestic parts in the future.
Insurance covers new robotic risks
The deployment of autonomous robots introduces specific liabilities that traditional manufacturing does not face. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance has developed a tailored policy for D1 users, addressing concerns such as physical harm to people or property and potential data breaches from cyber-attacks. This financial product is expected to drive adoption in hotels, healthcare facilities, and logistics hubs.
Companies adopt robots as staff
Kakuichi Co., a Nagano-based industrial provider, plans to onboard a Chinese-made humanoid robot named Miyazawa Noah as a new graduate in April 2027. The company intends to rotate the machine through manufacturing and sales departments to train it through practical experience. This approach reflects a broader strategy where human employees are trained to manage and utilize robotic systems effectively.
