GMO to launch 'ambulance' for humanoid robot repairs in Tokyo

GMO AI & Robotics Corp. plans to launch a specialized vehicle, the "GMO Humanoid Ambulance," in Tokyo later this month to address maintenance issues with humanoid robots. This vehicle, unveiled to the press on the same day, is loaded with essential humanoid robot components, repair tools, and an engineer ready to fix any malfunctions.

GMO President Tomohiro Uchida emphasized that their goal is to support the social integration and operation of humanoid robots. To facilitate this, GMO has introduced two additional services: one that continuously upgrades robot performance using data gathered in the field, and another that ensures the safe operation of robots by monitoring network communications for unauthorized access.

GMO Internet Group Inc., the parent company of GMO AI & Robotics, along with Japan Airlines Co., initiated a demonstration experiment in May, using humanoid robots to transport passengers' luggage at Tokyo's Haneda airport. This experiment aims to assess the robots' potential in enhancing ground handling operations' labor efficiency.

Concurrently, KDDI Corp. initiated a pilot scheme in Osaka in August, where humanoid robots are employed for customer service at railway stations. The Japanese government is actively promoting the development of domestic AI as part of its commitment to ensuring national security and data protection.