Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. of Tokyo and CYBERDYNE Inc. of Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, announced on July 2 that they have signed a memorandum of understanding on business cooperation to introduce the next generation of robots to Haneda Airport's passenger terminal buildings.

1. Background

Japan faces tough challenges such as fewer children, the aging population and a decline in the working population while demand for air services to and from airports centering on the Tokyo metropolitan area is expanding. Against that background, Japan Airport Terminal has been considering introducing advanced technology to passenger terminal buildings.

Since its inception in 2004 as a technology startup based in Tsukuba University, CYBERDYNE has been applying its "cybernics" technology to develop the powered exoskeleton "HAL" and, more recently, put the technology into practical use and commercialized products based on the technology, including a host of work support robots.

The MOU was signed for multiple purposes, including communicating the Japan-based technology to the rest of the world from Haneda Airport, providing high-quality services that are secure, safe and convenient to visitors to the airport, and creating a sound and comfortable environment for airport workers.

Starting with the MOU, the two companies will jointly work with all parties concerned to create a future vision, the first of its kind in the world, for putting robotics technology into use at airports and making Haneda Airport an even more attractive airport.

2. Outline of MOU

(1) A host of robots developed and manufactured by CYBERDYNE will be introduced to  passenger terminals managed and operated by Japan Airport Terminal.

(2) Japan Airport Terminal will provide sales promotion activities and maintenance services at Haneda Airport for CYBERDYNE robots.

(3) Japan Airport Terminal's insight and experience in running airport business and CYBERDYNE's cybernics technology will be combined to create a next-generation airport model making use of broad applications of robotics technology.