{
  "id": 9085953,
  "title": "Labor-scarce Japan counts on AI-powered robots in broad industries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/labor-scarce-japan-counts-on-ai-powered-robots-in-broad-industries",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-22T05:00:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260922/p2g/00m/0bu/009000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan grapples with a labor shortage across key industries like healthcare and manufacturing. To combat this, companies are increasingly turning to AI-powered robots. The government aims to integrate 10 million such robots by 2040. In August, AI startup Zeals Co. presented its D1 indoor humanoid robot in Tokyo. Standing 129 centimeters tall, the D1 features a camera for face recognition and can lift objects up to 5 kilograms. The startup plans to sell 100 units by March 2027, targeting cumulative operating time of 10,000 hours. The robot utilizes Zeals' proprietary software and AI technology, with manufacturing components sourced from the U.S. and China. Zeals aims to eventually produce robots using entirely Japanese-made parts. During a test at Juko Osu Hospital in Nagoya, the D1 aided in guiding visitors and clearing tables. The CEO emphasized the need to gather useful training data in real-world settings. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance partnered with Zeals to offer insurance specifically for D1 users, expecting demand from various sectors. However, the insurance manager noted potential risks, including harm to people or property and data breaches from cyber-attacks. In July, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance invested in a company working on domestic AI technology, a step towards understanding AI risks better. Kakuichi Co., a Nagano-based firm, will welcome a humanoid robot named Miyazawa Noah in April 2027. The company supports the introduction and operation of the Chinese-made robot, planning to use it across multiple departments to improve skills through practical experience. Kakuichi CEO Riu Tanaka views developing a humanoid robot as fostering employees who will utilize it effectively.",
  "summary": "TOKYO (Kyodo) -- As Japan faces a severe labor shortage in many sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing, more companies are counting on artificia",
  "key_points": [
    "Japan faces labor shortages in healthcare and manufacturing.",
    "AI startup Zeals Co. introduces D1 indoor humanoid robot.",
    "Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance offers insurance for D1 users."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}