Toyota estimates that factory automation could require about 400,000 humanoid and non-humanoid robots starting in 2028, with annual investment potentially reaching 1 trillion yen, or about $6.4 billion at current exchange rates.
Toyota Plans Major Factory Automation Push
Reuters reported that the estimate would cover Toyota, its group companies and major suppliers, although the full extent of the plan has not yet been disclosed.
The move comes as automakers increasingly turn to robotics to modernize plant infrastructure, address labor shortages and reduce costs. The expansion of factory robots is also raising concerns about technology replacing human jobs.
Other automakers, including Hyundai and Tesla, are pursuing similar approaches as robotics and automation advance.
Hyundai and Tesla Are Developing Factory Robots
Hyundai plans to deploy humanoid robots called Atlas at its Georgia plant starting in 2028. The facility produces electric vehicles including the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9.
Tesla, meanwhile, continues developing its Optimus humanoid robot. The robot is intended for factory work and eventually for public sale, where it could perform tasks such as cleaning rooms and doing laundry.
Toyota’s ELEY Robot Takes a Different Approach
Toyota’s approach differs from some other automakers. Its humanoid robot, ELEY, has two-fingered hands and moves on wheels.
The robot is designed to learn by observing human movements, including the movements of Toyota’s own workers.
Several types of humanoid robots are already working alongside people on factory floors. BMW deployed AI-powered humanoid robots called AEON at its plant in Leipzig, Germany, following a successful pilot program at its Spartanburg facility in South Carolina.
Mercedes-Benz also uses dog-like robots called Aris, which assist with quality control by detecting hissing, squeaking and buzzing sounds.
The Race to Automate Auto Factories
Toyota’s plans to invest heavily in advanced robots for factory work are aimed at potentially increasing productivity. Analysts argue that a capable robotics product could also help automakers expand beyond vehicle production, creating a potential new revenue avenue and attracting investor interest.
The report did not specify which Toyota plants would receive robots first or how many robots would be deployed at each location.
Toyota operates about 60 plants globally, including 11 in the U.S. One of its U.S. facilities is its battery plant in North Carolina.
Toyota remains the world’s top automaker, followed by Volkswagen and Hyundai. BYD, meanwhile, has said it aims to take the top spot by 2030.
