Mitsubishi Motors teams up with startup to mass produce humanoid robots
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Mitsubishi Motors Corp. has teamed up with a startup originating from the University of Tokyo to develop and mass produce humanoid robots equipped with artificial intelligence, setting a target to make 1,000 units a month by the end of 2027.
The automaker expects to utilize its cutting-edge manufacturing expertise to develop the robots with Tokyo-based Highlanders Inc., as such bipedal robots are increasingly expected to help address labor shortages, the companies said in July.
Mitsubishi Motors plans to introduce humanoid robots on an engine manufacturing line at the automaker’s factory in Kyoto, western Japan, and collect data needed for the development and mass production of AI-driven robots specializing in automobile production.
Firms overseas, including those in the United States and China, are forging ahead with the development of humanoid robots.
However, “In Japan, we are the ‘leadoff hitter’ in mass producing” humanoid robots, Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato told a press conference in Tokyo.
Kato said the company is considering how the robots can be put to practical use while assessing their performance.
Highlanders develops general-purpose robots, with parts sourced domestically.
“There is no company (in Japan) that can compete with global companies in the realm of physical AI,” Highlanders CEO Hiroya Masuoka told the same press conference, referring to the integration of robotics and AI technologies. “We want to take a step forward.”
