GMO Internet Group Unveils Japan’s First Humanoid Robot Ambulance

Japan’s first humanoid robot ambulance has hit the streets of Tokyo, offering emergency roadside assistance for bipedal machines. Developed by GMO Internet Group, the specialized maintenance van acts as a mobile repair unit for humanoid robots that experience breakdowns during operation.

The vehicle is equipped with diagnostic tools, spare components, and repair equipment, along with engineers capable of fixing machines on-site. If a unit cannot be restored at the scene, a replacement humanoid stored on the ambulance can be deployed immediately to continue its tasks while the disabled robot is transported back to the company’s Humanoid Lab in Shibuya.

Only one ambulance is currently stationed at GMO’s Tokyo headquarters, and it exclusively serves humanoids deployed by its subsidiary, GMO AI & Robotics Trading (GMO AIR). Dispatch decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. GMO AIR is also known for operating humanoid robots as baggage handlers at a Tokyo airport in a trial running through 2028.

The service addresses operational disruptions caused by previous incidents where damaged robots had to be removed from service for off-site repairs. GMO AIR CEO Tomohiro Uchida stated that the concept emerged directly from the need to provide immediate replacement units.

Shota Takizawa, an engineer at GMO AIR, told Euronews that as humanoid robots become more prevalent, such support services will become necessary. The ambulance features purple roof-mounted lightbars and was styled by designer Yasumichi Morita of GLAMOROUS, drawing inspiration from emergency vehicles globally.