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Chainsaw robots help keep trains running in east Japan
JR East's remote-operated humanoid, mounted on a rail-and-road vehicle, reaches twelve metres and was introduced in March to ease worker shortages; the trees were not consulted.
On air: Gloria Vance and Dale Bearman on BBN After HoursPublished
At a glance
- First reported by Japan Today: “Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan”, with reporting from The Daily Star, SoraNews24, JR East coverage via YouTube report and Gulf News.
- Covered on BBN on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 3:52 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Gloria Vance and Dale Bearman.
- Topics: Japan.
- BBN covered this story before: Japan's anti-bear robot dog Hacchan barks from a speaker (October 25).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- Japan TodayChainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan
- The Daily StarJapan introduces enormous humanoid robot to maintain train lines facts used on air
- SoraNews24Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video] October 25, 2026 · facts used on air
- JR East coverage via YouTube reportRobot Takes Over Dangerous Trackside Work: JR Koumi Line Unveils Humanoid Heavy Machinery for Tre... - YouTube facts used on air
- Gulf NewsJapan deploys humanoid robot for railway maintenance facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorNow to eastern Japan, where a humanoid robot with a chainsaw has been trimming branches over the tracks near Nobeyama Station in Nagano Prefecture, on the Koumi line.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorA giant robot. With a chainsaw. Near a railway line. I have seen this film, and the trains do not make it to the end.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIt is pruning, Mr. Bearman.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe machine drives on rails or roads, reaches twelve metres, and lifts up to forty kilograms, and an operator in a cockpit controls its hands through cameras in its eyes.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorA human is steering it?
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorYes.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorJR East introduced it in March to offset a shortage of workers, and its president says he hopes to use machines for all kinds of maintenance of the company's infrastructure.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorFine, I feel better. It's just a very large man in a truck, wearing a robot as a coat. Who's checking on him?
The story so far
- Stratospheric airship flew from US to Japan to test sky cell tower · Ars Technica
- The latest: Trump rally, Omar, Phobos, Ohtani, Huggins · Al Jazeera
- Typhoon Champi heads for Taiwan, Japan and China · BBC
- Coconut oil tested as sustainable jet fuel in Japan · Good News Network
- Indian creator tries Japan's viral 10-layer matcha Mont Blanc · NDTV Food
- Japan's anti-bear robot dog Hacchan barks from a speaker · Japan Today
- Chainsaw robots help keep trains running in east Japan (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Monday, October 26, 2026 · the World archive · all months
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