Japan launches $5.4 bn program to deploy 10 million robots by 2040

The Japanese government unveiled the Noetra initiative, allocating 5.4 billion euros (about one trillion yen) over five years to integrate ten million robots into the economy by 2040. The plan targets 18 strategic sectors—including food production, logistics, manufacturing and basic health services—and will fund a national robotics and artificial‑intelligence centre. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said the scheme aims to offset a severe labor shortfall caused by the country’s aging population, which now averages 48 years and would otherwise require 6.5 million foreign workers.

Major corporations such as Sony, Honda, SoftBank and NEC are already participating, and the program emphasizes “physical AI” – autonomous robots that can operate in real‑world environments using large data sets from elder‑care, disaster response and the Fukushima nuclear decommissioning effort. The government hopes the move will boost productivity, sustain the welfare state and position Japan as a global leader in a market projected by Goldman Sachs to exceed €300 billion by 2030.