Japan plans to have 10 million robots across 18 sectors by 2040, helping a majority of people in nursing homes and food factories
Japan is preparing for a significant technological shift as the government unveils a revised national robotics strategy. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa recently announced an ambitious plan to deploy 10 million additional robots across the nation. This initiative aims to integrate advanced machinery into various sectors of daily life and industry before the year 2040 arrives.
The updated strategy expands the scope of automation to include 18 specific fields. While manufacturing remains a priority, the government has added medical care and food production to the list of essential sectors. These robots will soon work in nursing homes, beverage factories, and kitchens to help support the national economy. Officials hope this surge in automation will address the country’s persistent labor shortages.
At the heart of this massive rollout is a domestically produced AI foundation model called Noetra. This multimodal system focuses on physical AI and was developed alongside the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. A high-profile consortium including SoftBank, NEC, Sony Group, and Honda holds a majority stake in Noetra. The government plans to use this technology as a core hub for research and workforce training.
Minister Akazawa believes that the utilization of accumulated data will become the winning strategy for Japan. The government is building data infrastructure based on decades of experience in manufacturing and disaster response. Officials are even using data from the Fukushima Daiichi decommissioning effort to refine how robots handle hazardous environments. This focus on physical industrial data distinguishes Japan’s approach from global competitors.
Japan is not working in total isolation to achieve these visionary goals. The government confirmed collaborative arrangements with research institutions in the United States, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. These international partnerships will support the ongoing development of the base AI model. Once finalized, the technology will be made available to Japanese developers and businesses nationwide.
The strategy also aims to revitalize regions outside of major metropolitan centers like Tokyo. By encouraging AI-driven transformation in rural areas, the government hopes to balance economic growth. This plan reflects a practical response to an aging population and restrictive migration policies that leave many vacancies unfilled. Supporters argue that these machines perform roles that currently lack enough human workers to function effectively.
