Japan to Consider Replacing Some Military Personnel with Humanoid Robots

Japan will explore deploying humanoid robots equipped with physical artificial intelligence in the Self-Defense Forces because of difficulties recruiting new personnel.

Japan Today reported this, citing sources in the government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan.

Such robots are expected to perform tasks in non-combat situations, including patrolling military bases and providing logistical support. This could reduce the need for personnel in the Self-Defense Forces.

The use of a humanoid design will potentially allow the robots to operate indoors and at facilities designed for humans. At the same time, the robots’ artificial intelligence should enable them to analyze information obtained through sensors and cameras and carry out assigned tasks.

In the future, such robots may be deployed in reconnaissance and rescue operations. However, the Japanese military has yet to test their effectiveness under real-world operating conditions.

To identify suitable models, Japan will hold a competition in which humanoid robots developed by private companies and universities will demonstrate their capabilities.

The use of such robots in combat operations is not currently being considered due to the risk of misidentifying allies and enemies, or combatants and non-combatants.

The ruling party also stated that it does not anticipate using armed humanoid robots in combat operations.

“Artificial intelligence can be an effective tool for replacing or supplementing operations carried out by a limited number of personnel,” said a high-ranking official from Japan’s Ministry of Defense.

The government plans to review key defense and security documents by the end of the year, considering the broader application of artificial intelligence as one way to strengthen defense capabilities.

Humanoid robots for the Ukrainian Armed Forces

In July of this year, the head of Brave1 said Ukraine would hold a grant competition to create humanoid robots for the Armed Forces.

Earlier, Ukraine received Phantom MK-1 humanoid soldier robots to assess their effectiveness.