Robotics

— Latest update: March 2026 —

Population decline is well known to be one the Japan’s major problem for the 21th century. According to the OECD, Japan’s population would fall by 45% by 2100, and employment by 52%. One of the strategies adopted by the Japanese government to address the labor shortage issue was to invest within automated systems, advanced machinery and robotics. This strategy led Japan to positioned itself as a leader in the field.

OECD Economic Surveys: Japan 2024

Moreover, the model of “Society 5.0”, where everyone and everything is connected and integrated through technology, is being implemented faster due to Japan’s population grey and shrinking workforce, plus the effects of the pandemic. This situation has driven rapid growth in service robots, developing a new generation of robots more suitable for areas like hospitality, transportation, and domestic tasks.

METI, Policy index, Robotics

Government of Japan, Cabinet Office, Society 5.0

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