Japan's Shimizu plans to bring humanoid robots to construction sites by 2030

Japan's major construction company Shimizu plans to bring AI-powered humanoid robots to construction sites by around 2030. These robots will handle tasks like painting and plastering to ease the industry's labor shortage. The company tested a humanoid robot from Unitree at the Tokyo Torch Tower project, where it walked autonomously at about 1 meter per second through complex work areas. Shimizu is also developing robotic arms for specialized tasks and using a remote-controlled system from US-based Trossen Robotics to collect skilled workers' expertise for AI training. The goal is to combine both technologies into a robot that can move and perform multiple construction tasks. Japan's construction workforce has shrunk 24% over the past 20 years, with 37% of workers aged 55 or older, compared to just 12% under 29. This shortage is already delaying urban renewal and infrastructure projects.