Humanoid Robotics Technology
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Highlanders Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding collaboration aimed at realizing a new industrial foundation where humans and robots work together. Based on this MOU, the two companies will proceed with discussions on the joint development of humanoid robots for use in Mitsubishi Motors’ factories and the mass production of Highlanders products at Mitsubishi Motors’ Kyoto Plant.
The environment surrounding Japanese manufacturing is changing dramatically, and major challenges include addressing labor shortages, upgrading production sites, and building flexible production systems. Mitsubishi Motors is working to create new value through co-creation with diverse partners, including startups, to address these future challenges. Highlanders, on the other hand, is working to solve labor shortage challenges by utilizing humanoid robots and robotics technology, aiming to realize a society where humans and robots work together. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to create new value in manufacturing sites and improve industrial competitiveness.
Through a joint development project with Highlanders, Mitsubishi Motors will first utilize humanoid robots in its own factories to accumulate usage data and operational know-how, while deepening its knowledge in the field of humanoid robots and exploring the possibilities of their development and production.
In parallel with this, Mitsubishi Motors will utilize its long-cultivated expertise in mass production design, quality assurance, durability and safety design, mechatronics integrated control technology, and factory operation know-how to begin production of the humanoid robots developed by Highlanders in the idle buildings of its Kyoto Plant as early as 2027.
This deal represents the first instance of collaboration between an automobile manufacturer and a humanoid robot development company for mass production. By gaining a partner in operational aspects, including production, Highlanders will be able to accelerate the growth of both companies’ humanoid robot businesses.
Furthermore, Mitsubishi Motors has already invested in Highlanders and plans to make additional investments in the future.
Moving forward, both companies will continue to collaborate and take on challenges toward realizing a society where humans and robots work together.
Comment from Takao Kato, Chairman and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
“The collaboration between Mitsubishi Motors and Highlanders represents a challenge to create a new industrial foundation where humans and robots work together, and for Mitsubishi Motors, it is a valuable opportunity to deepen our technological and business expertise in the field of humanoid robotics. We intend to utilize these technologies in our own factories and provide production capacity for Highlanders products, and use the results to contribute to our own growth and increase corporate value.”
Comment from Hiroya Masuoka, Representative Director and CEO of Highlanders Co., Ltd.
“Highlanders aims to solve various industrial challenges through robotics and physical AI technology. We believe that mass production of domestically produced humanoid robots through collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, which has cultivated manufacturing expertise over many years, will be a significant step towards achieving our goals. Furthermore, the utilization of our robotics technology in Mitsubishi Motors’ production sites is a valuable opportunity that will lead to a technological leap in our products, and we hope to expand our win-win relationship with Mitsubishi Motors by maximizing its effects.”
Source: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
