Japanese robots go beyond factory floor to take on tree cutting, lab work

TechnologyHumanoid models with precision and durability seen offering valueNippon Signal's ZX-3 humanoid robot. (Photo by Yuta Adachi)YUTA ADACHISeptember 4, 2026 07:23 JSTTOKYO -- Japan is finding many new uses for homegrown humanoid robots beyond manufacturing, as domestic developers seek to compete with Chinese rivals by leveraging the precision and durability enhanced through factory production lines and other settings.Read NextIPOUnitree shares soar in humanoid maker's landmark Shanghai IPOInterviewChina's Unitree Robotics eyes capacity boost to meet humanoid demandTechnologyUS robot curbs lay bare industry's dependence on Chinese partsEditor-in-Chief’s PicksEditor's Choice: When humanoids outrun Olympians, what comes next?Artificial intelligenceChinese startup rolls out robot arms in