JR East to test AI cleaning robots at Akabane Station

JR East, JR East Shoji, and SoftBank have announced a demonstration project to utilize AI-powered robots for toilet cleaning at Akabane Station, starting October 27. The trial is scheduled to run until mid-January 2027.

The project aims to address labor shortages by using physical AI cleaning robots to clean restrooms after the last train. The initiative will also deploy IoT sensors in restrooms and trash cans at Akabane, Oji, Jujo, and Higashi-Jujo stations to monitor usage and waste levels.

Additionally, the experiment will test AI image analysis via cameras to detect waste in concourses. Users will also be able to request cleaning services by scanning QR codes. The collected data will be analyzed to optimize cleaning schedules and maintain service quality through a more sustainable operational model.