Highlanders
"The data flywheel for the physical world"
Tokyo humanoid and quadruped robotics startup building the Kepler physical-AI foundation model and HLQ robot series since 2023.
Highlanders Inc. is a Tokyo-based robotics and artificial intelligence company, founded in 2023 and headquartered in Toshima-ku, Tokyo, that develops what it calls physical AI: a foundation model trained on data generated by its own fleet of robots. The company's model, Kepler v1.0, is described as a foundational AI system for physical intelligence, intended to let robots learn to manipulate objects and navigate real-world environments from real operating data rather than simulation alone. To generate that data, Highlanders has built and iterated through multiple robot platforms in a short period: an initial bipedal prototype called Ninja v1, a follow-up semi-humanoid testbed called Ninja v2, and the HLQ series, which includes quadruped and field-deployable variants such as HLQ Pro and HLQ Air. The company describes its strategy as a data flywheel, in which each new robot body accelerates the collection of real-world interaction data that in turn improves the underlying foundation model.
Highlanders is led by CEO Hiroya Masuoka and, as of mid-2026, reported approximately 46 employees including contractors. The company has stated interest in applying its technology to automotive, logistics, and manufacturing use cases, and industry reporting has linked Highlanders to a factory-automation collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors involving co-development of a humanoid robot, consistent with the company's stated focus on industrial and automotive deployment of physical AI. Highlanders reports having accumulated more than 5,000 contacts and pre-orders tied to industrial use cases for its hardware.
The company maintains an active presence on X (as @highlanders_ai) and YouTube (as @HighlandersInc), where it posts updates on its robot platforms and model releases, but does not publicly list a LinkedIn company page, phone number, or public email address; prospective partners are directed to a web contact form. Highlanders' headquarters is located at Mimosa Bldg. 3F, 2-11-10 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The company's tagline, 'The data flywheel for the physical world,' reflects its core thesis that iterating quickly through multiple hardware generations, rather than perfecting a single robot design, is the fastest way to accumulate the real-world data needed to train general-purpose physical AI models. Because Highlanders was still a relatively young, privately held company as of this review, detailed financial information such as total funding raised or valuation has not been independently verified from its official channels.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Kepler v1.0
Foundation model for physical intelligence with a dual-system planner/reflex architecture, targeting deployment on Japanese production floors.
HLQ Air
Quadruped robot platform that gathers field data feeding Highlanders' Kepler foundation model in industrial deployments.
Contact Highlanders
WEBSITE
https://www.highlanders.co.jpHEADQUARTERS
Japan
Company Facts
Founded
2023
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
employees 10-50
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Mitsubishi Motors to Collaborate with Highlanders for Humanoid Robot Production by 2027
Mitsubishi Motors has announced a partnership with Highlanders, a robotics startup incubated by the University of Tokyo, to commence mass production of humanoid robots at its Kyoto factory by early 2027. The production facility will utilize previously idle space originally designated for engine manufacturing, with an initial monthly output target of 1,000 units, fully funded by Mitsubishi Motors. This collaboration marks the first instance of a Japanese automotive company signing an agreement with a humanoid robotics firm for mass production. Mitsubishi has already made a strategic investment in Highlanders and plans to provide additional funding in the future. The upcoming robots will stand approximately 1.75 meters tall and will feature AI-driven autonomous control, enabling them to assess their surroundings and perform tasks such as stable walking and object manipulation. The robots will initially be deployed within Mitsubishi's own factories for tasks like component handling and engine assembly, continuously collecting data to improve operational precision through software updates. Mitsubishi's chairman, Takao Kato, emphasized that this partnership aims to establish a new industrial foundation for human-robot collaboration, while Highlanders' representative, Hiroya Nagaoka, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in achieving their company's goals.
Humanoid Robots AI Manufacturing Automation Robotics Automotive Industry
Mitsubishi Motors to Begin Mass Production of Humanoid Robots by 2027
Mitsubishi Motors has announced plans to start mass production of humanoid robots at its factory in Japan by 2027. In collaboration with the Tokyo University startup Highlanders, the company aims to produce 1,000 units per month initially, utilizing existing space in its Kyoto engine plant. The robots will first be deployed in Mitsubishi's own facilities for tasks such as parts handling and engine assembly. This initiative is a response to Japan's aging population and the resulting labor shortages in the manufacturing sector, prompting a shift towards automation. By developing these robots for internal use, Mitsubishi aims to address its own workforce challenges before considering external sales. The humanoid robots, standing approximately 175 cm tall, will feature stable walking and grasping capabilities, controlled by an AI system. As the global humanoid robot market is projected to reach $729 billion by 2050, Mitsubishi's production plans represent a significant step for a traditional automaker entering this space. The company's pragmatic approach of first utilizing the robots internally reflects its strategy to tackle labor shortages while exploring future market opportunities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Humanoid Robots Manufacturing Automation AI Technology Robotics
Mitsubishi Motors Partners with Highlanders for Humanoid Robot Production by 2027
Mitsubishi Motors has announced a collaboration with Tokyo-based startup Highlanders to mass-produce humanoid robots for its automotive factories. Production is set to commence as early as 2027, with the partnership aiming to enhance automation within Mitsubishi's manufacturing processes. This initiative was unveiled during a demonstration event in Tokyo on July 9, showcasing the jointly developed humanoid robot. The significance of this collaboration lies in Mitsubishi's strategic move to integrate advanced robotics into its production lines, reflecting a broader trend in the automotive industry towards automation and efficiency. By leveraging Highlanders' expertise in humanoid robotics, Mitsubishi aims to address labor shortages and improve operational productivity, aligning with global shifts towards smart manufacturing technologies. Looking ahead, industry observers will be keen to monitor the development and deployment timeline of these humanoid robots, as well as their impact on Mitsubishi's manufacturing capabilities. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the partnership signals a commitment to innovation in the automotive sector.
