Summary:

 

Nyokkey is Kawasaki’s flagship service robot, built to address Japan’s aging population and labor shortages in healthcare. It uses hydrogen fuel cells for long operation times, features two articulated arms for manipulation, and a screen face for communication. It is already being deployed in hospitals and care facilities across Japan.  

 

Editorial:

 

Nyokkey represents Japan’s unique approach to humanoid robotics: instead of pursuing full bipedal humanoids like Sanctuary Phoenix or Tesla Optimus, Kawasaki focuses on practical service robots that integrate seamlessly into healthcare environments. Its hydrogen fuel system is a breakthrough, eliminating downtime from battery charging and aligning with Japan’s push for clean energy.  

 

The editorial takeaway: Nyokkey is not a “true humanoid” in the sense of walking on two legs, but it is humanoid‑styled — with arms, torso, and a face — optimized for service and sustainability. It shows how Japan is prioritizing healthcare robotics over industrial humanoids.  

 

Specifications:

 

| Feature | Details |

|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| Developer | Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan) |

| Model | Nyokkey (2026) |

| Height | ~150 cm |

| Power Source | Hydrogen fuel cell (hydrogen storage alloy tank + compact fuel cell) |

| Arms | Dual arms for manipulation (doors, trays, deliveries) |

| Face | Screen display with expressive features for communication |

| Mobility | Wheeled base, autonomous navigation, smooth turning |

| Applications | Hospitals, eldercare, public facilities |

| Design Focus | Long endurance, safe interaction, eco‑friendly hydrogen power |

 

Image: @MikeKalil

 

Company Source:

 

- Kawasaki Robotics Official Blog – Nyokkey → https://kawasakirobotics.com/asia-oceania/blog/story16/  

 

- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Corporate Site → https://global.kawasaki.com/en/  

 

Key News & Coverage:

 

- Aigazine – Kawasaki deploys Nyokkey in Japanese hospitals (Jan 2026) → https://aigazine.com/llms/kawasaki-deploys-150cm-nyokkey-care-robot-in-japanese-hospitals-with-hydrogen-power--s  

- Mike Kalil Blog – Hydrogen‑powered Nyokkey service robot (Jan 2026)

https://mikekalil.com/blog/kawasaki-hydrogen-nyokkey-robot/  

- Kawasaki Robotics – Near‑Future Mobility: Nyokkey (2023)

https://kawasakirobotics.com/asia-oceania/blog/story16/