Mitsubishi turns to humanoid robots

Mitsubishi Motors partners with Tokyo-based robotics start-up Highlanders Inc to develop and mass-produce humanoid robots at its Kyoto engine plant, targeting 1000 units per month by late 2027 for automotive manufacturing roles including component handling and material transport. The deal addresses Mitsubishi's excess plant capacity and Japan's labour shortage whilst providing Highlanders with industrial-scale manufacturing capability. If you supply components for automotive assembly or specialise in material handling, Mitsubishi just committed to buying 1000 humanoid robots per month from 2027 onwards - and every robot needs grippers, sensors, power systems, and safety hardware that large OEMs won't build themselves. That supply chain is now open.