Japan accelerates development of “humanoid robots,” aiming for a prototype by 2030 to rival China and the U.S.

The Japanese government has announced an ambitious plan to advance the development of humanoid robots under the Moonshot Research and Development Program, aiming to unveil a prototype by 2030. These robots are designed to work alongside humans — in homes, factories, and disaster zones — helping address labor shortages and enhance productivity.

Launched in 2020 with a budget exceeding 400 billion yen, the Moonshot initiative now includes a new goal: creating robots capable of coexisting with humans. The move is seen as Japan’s response to intensifying competition in robotics and AI from China and the United States.