Mitsubishi Motors partners to mass produce humanoids in Japan

Mitsubishi Motors has formed a partnership with Highlanders Inc., a startup originating from the University of Tokyo, to develop and mass produce AI-equipped humanoid robots in Japan. According to Kyodo News, the companies aim to reach production of 1,000 robots per month by the end of 2027. The initiative would give Mitsubishi Motors a direct role in Japan’s limited industrial humanoid manufacturing sector.

Mitsubishi Motors expects to contribute its manufacturing expertise, while Highlanders is developing general-purpose robots using parts sourced domestically. The companies plan an initial deployment on an engine manufacturing line at Mitsubishi’s factory in Kyoto, western Japan. That factory use is intended to generate data supporting development and eventual mass production of AI-driven humanoids specialized for automobile manufacturing.

Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato said the company is considering practical applications for the robots while evaluating their performance. Highlanders CEO Hiroya Masuoka described the project as a response to international competition, noting that companies in the United States and China are advancing humanoid development. He said no Japanese company can currently compete globally in physical AI, the combination of robotics and AI technologies, and that Highlanders wants to advance in that area.

The partners view bipedal robots as a possible answer to labor shortages. The announcement identifies both a specific automotive production line and a monthly output goal, although it provides no robot specifications. Its next important measure will be whether the machines can perform useful, repeatable work on the Kyoto engine line before production is expanded toward the stated target.