JR West to deploy heavy-duty and humanoid robots for track maintenance
A single-arm machine capable of lifting 120 kg starts in October 2026, followed by a lighter humanoid robot for cutting trackside trees in November.
West Japan Railway Company (JR West) announced on October 16, 2026 that it will put two multifunctional railway heavy machines into maintenance work on commercial lines, with the heavy-duty single-arm robot entering service in October 2026 and a mass-production humanoid robot following in November 2026, according to news.denfaminicogamer.jp.
The heavy-duty single-arm robot is mounted on the deck of an aerial work platform and can grasp objects weighing up to 120 kg. The humanoid robot has been made smaller and lighter, with a longer boom, and will be used to cut obstructive trees along the tracks.
JR West said it aims to reduce the manpower required for the work by about 30 percent.
Earlier machine introduced in 2024
In July 2024, JR West introduced the multifunctional railway heavy machine ZIZAI as part of efforts to improve safety and productivity on its lines.
Quick answers
When will JR West's single-arm robot start work?
The heavy-duty single-arm robot is scheduled to begin use in October 2026.
What will the humanoid robot do on JR West lines?
It will be used for cutting obstructive trees along the tracks, starting in November 2026.
How much can the single-arm robot lift?
It can grasp objects up to 120 kg.