Japan targets 10 million AI robots by 2040 to combat labor shortages

Japan is increasingly integrating AI-powered robots into sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and logistics to combat severe labor shortages caused by an aging and shrinking population. The Japanese government has set an ambitious target to introduce 10 million AI-powered robots into the workforce by 2040.

In Tokyo, the AI startup Zeals Co. recently unveiled the D1, a 129-centimeter-tall humanoid robot on wheels. Designed for indoor use, the D1 features facial recognition capabilities and two arms capable of carrying up to 5 kilograms each. The robot has undergone practical testing at Juko Osu Hospital in Nagoya, where it performed tasks such as guiding visitors and clearing dining tables.

Zeals Co. plans to scale production with a goal of 100 robots by March 2027. While the company currently sources some components from the United States and China, it aims to eventually manufacture robots using exclusively Japanese components. The D1 is priced starting at 5 million yen (approximately $32,000), and the company intends to expand sales through partnerships with robotics leasing and trading firms.