Mitsubishi Is Bringing Humanoid Robots to Its Factories as Japan Runs Out of Workers
The Robot Revolution Clocks In
Regardless of how one feels about humanoid robots taking over more factory work, that shift is starting to feel inevitable. BMW has deployed AI-powered AEON humanoid robots in production at its German plant, while Tesla is expanding beyond electric vehicles with its Optimus robot program.
Now, Mitsubishi is joining the fray through a partnership with Highlanders, a Japanese humanoid robotics and AI startup originating from the University of Tokyo. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on building an industrial ecosystem where humans and robots can work side by side. It could carry some relevance for the U.S. market, with models such as the Outlander imported from Japan.
Building Each Other Up
Under the partnership, the basic trade is that Mitsubishi provides Highlanders with factory capacity and more than a century of automotive manufacturing experience. In return, the automaker gains access to Highlanders' humanoid robotics and physical AI technology, which could eventually help support its manufacturing operations. It also plans to collect operational data and deepen its robotics expertise by putting the machines to work in its own facilities.
Aside from advancing their respective businesses, the partnership also aims to address labor shortages in Japan's manufacturing industry. The broader crisis is tied partly to the country's aging population and low birth rate. The companies will examine whether production of Highlanders' robots can begin in early 2027 using currently unused buildings at Mitsubishi's Kyoto Plant.
Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato said, "By utilizing humanoid robots in our own manufacturing facilities and supporting the production of Highlanders products, we aim to leverage the outcomes of this collaboration to drive our growth and enhance corporate value."
The Next Mitsubishi Might Have Legs
Given that this is only an MOU for now, it is too early to tell where the partnership will go. Still, it would not be surprising to see Mitsubishi eventually mass-producing humanoid robots alongside its traditional automotive business, potentially giving the company a foothold in a new industry much like Tesla is pursuing with Optimus.
Mitsubishi has not identified which plant will receive Highlanders' humanoid robots for factory work first, but for reference, U.S.-bound models are produced at the automaker's Okazaki Plant. As tariffs weigh on import-dependent automakers such as Audi, Mitsubishi is reportedly considering producing vehicles in the U.S. again, potentially through partnerships with Nissan and Honda.
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This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 11:01 AM.