Tokyo's streets may soon feature a new type of emergency vehicle, one designed not for people but for humanoid robots. GMO Internet Group, a Japanese IT conglomerate, has unveiled a van that functions as a mobile repair unit, carrying engineers, tools, spare parts, and even a replacement humanoid to wherever a robot breaks down.
The company claims this is the first vehicle in Japan purpose-built for humanoid robot maintenance. Shota Takizawa, an engineer at GMO Air, the subsidiary behind the project, explained the concept: “The humanoid 'ambulance' carries the replacement humanoid to the site and replaces it with the damaged humanoid.” If repairs cannot be completed on the spot, the damaged robot is taken back to a repair base while the replacement continues its duties.
GMO Air developed the service after experiencing operational disruptions when damaged humanoids had to be shipped away for repairs. “Learning from that experience, we came up with the idea of providing replacement humanoids,” said Tomohiro Uchida, CEO of GMO Air.
A mobile workshop with flashing lights
Despite its ambulance-style markings and purple roof lights, the vehicle is essentially a mobile repair workshop. Its interior is fitted with space for robots, laptops, and maintenance equipment. Currently, one vehicle is stationed at GMO's Tokyo headquarters, but the company says it could expand the fleet and add more bases if demand grows. “When humanoids become more popular, this kind of service will be needed,” Takizawa added.
The launch comes amid intensifying global competition in humanoid robotics, particularly between the United States and China. Japan, a long-time leader in industrial robotics, is now striving to strengthen its position in AI-powered robotics. In June, the Japanese government set a target of deploying around 10 million robots by 2040, spanning 18 sectors including healthcare, food services, and manufacturing.
This development is part of a broader trend of humanoid robots moving from labs into real-world applications. At recent tech fairs, humanoids have been showcased performing tasks like folding laundry and even doing backflips, as seen at IFA 2026. Meanwhile, pilot projects in other parts of the world are testing humanoid cleaners in homes, and some European cities are already grappling with the implications of robot labour, as evidenced by a robot protest in Poland calling for stricter AI workplace rules.
For Europe, the rise of humanoid robotics raises questions about regulation, workforce impact, and industrial competitiveness. While Japan's robot ambulance is a niche innovation, it signals a future where robots require dedicated infrastructure, much like the underwater drones that have joined London's rescue teams. As the technology matures, European policymakers and businesses will need to consider how to integrate such systems into their economies.
GMO Air's initiative is a practical step toward normalizing humanoid robots in everyday environments. By providing rapid response and replacement services, the company aims to reduce downtime and make robot deployment more reliable. Whether this model will catch on outside Japan remains to be seen, but it offers a glimpse into the logistical challenges of a robot-populated future.
