Mitsubishi Motors to Mass-Produce Humanoid Robot Workers by 2027

While other automakers are still weighing whether to use robots, Mitsubishi Motors has decided to build them itself.

Mitsubishi Motors announced a partnership with Highlanders, a robotics startup from the University of Tokyo, to mass-produce humanoid robots at its Kyoto plant by early 2027. The production equipment will be set up in idle space once used for engine manufacturing, with an initial monthly capacity of 1,000 units. Mitsubishi will bear all costs. This is the first cooperation between a Japanese automaker and a humanoid robotics company targeting mass production. Mitsubishi has already made a strategic investment in Highlanders and plans to inject more funds.

The robot to be produced stands about 1.75 meters tall, uses AI for autonomous control, can assess its surroundings, and has stable walking and grasping abilities. Unlike traditional industrial robots, it concentrates cameras and voice systems on its 'face', allowing AI to control limbs and joints based on visual data.

These robots will first be deployed in Mitsubishi's own factories for tasks like parts transport and engine assembly. They continuously collect data during work and improve operational accuracy through software updates.