Mitsubishi Motors
Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors signed a July 2026 MOU with Highlanders to mass-produce humanoid robots at its Kyoto Plant from early 2027.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer founded on April 22, 1970, and headquartered at 1-21, Shibaura 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo. As of mid-2026 the company reported 27,695 consolidated employees and 13,498 non-consolidated employees, with capital of JPY 284,382 million on a non-consolidated basis. Mitsubishi Motors is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, with Nissan holding a 34% equity stake in the company since October 2016. The company has historically ranked among Japan's largest automakers and manufactures, assembles, or sells vehicles in more than 160 countries; it has been publicly traded since 1988 and has a long motorsport record, including twelve outright wins at the Dakar Rally and the manufacturers' title in the 1998 World Rally Championship.
On July 9, 2026, Mitsubishi Motors announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with humanoid robotics developer Highlanders to establish what the companies describe as a new industrial foundation for humans and robots working together in manufacturing. Under the MOU, Highlanders' humanoid robots are targeted to begin mass production in early 2027 at Mitsubishi Motors' Kyoto Plant, using currently unused buildings on that site as the dedicated production facility. The partnership has two stated objectives: Mitsubishi Motors intends to deploy Highlanders' humanoid robots within its own manufacturing operations to gather operational data and build internal expertise on human-robot collaboration, while simultaneously supporting Highlanders' mass production ramp by making available Mitsubishi Motors' established automotive manufacturing capabilities and facilities. According to the companies, this arrangement represents the first collaboration of its kind between an automotive manufacturer and a humanoid robotics developer that involves mass production, addressing labor shortages and operational challenges facing Japanese manufacturing. Mitsubishi Motors had already made an equity investment in Highlanders prior to the MOU and has indicated plans for further investment in the company.
Mitsubishi Motors can be reached at its Tokyo headquarters by phone at 03-3456-1111 (domestic) or +81 3-3456-1111 (international). All company and financial figures above are drawn from Mitsubishi Motors' official corporate website, including its Corporate Profile page and its July 9, 2026 newsroom press release describing the Highlanders MOU.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Contact Mitsubishi Motors
WEBSITE
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/PHONE
+81 3-3456-1111HEADQUARTERS
Japan
Company Facts
Founded
1970
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
employees 10000+
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Public
Funding Total
-
Keywords
- Mitsubishi Motors
- automotive manufacturer
- Highlanders humanoid robot
- Kyoto Plant
- human-robot collaboration
- mass production MOU
- Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance
- Japan manufacturing
- Manufacturer
- Contract Manufacturer
- Humanoid
- Manufacturing
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.
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