Toyota plans 400,000 robots, $6.4B annual factory spend

Toyota Motor estimates it could spend 1 trillion yen ($6.4 billion) annually starting from 2028 to modernize its factories, as the world's largest automaker pushes ahead with one of the most ambitious robotics deployments in industrial history.

The company told investors it would need around 400,000 robots — both humanoid and non-humanoid — to drive factory automation across Toyota, its group companies, and major suppliers, Reuters reported Friday. Of that total, 150,000 units would go to Toyota's own factories and 250,000 to parts supplier facilities, according to Japan's Nikkei newspaper.investing+2

The Robots

Toyota's humanoid robot, called "Ellie," weighs 50 kilograms and moves on wheels rather than legs. Equipped with two-fingered hands, the robot can learn delicate tasks such as picking up and moving parts or folding fabric by observing human workers. At a recent technology briefing in Brussels, Toyota demonstrated the robot folding clothes after 1,500 learning sessions over two weeks.news.sbs+1

The company's approach relies on what it calls "physical AI," which allows robots to perceive their surroundings through sensors, learn from human movements, and adjust to physical conditions. Toyota plans to transmit centrally learned data to robots at production facilities worldwide, eventually creating an environment where robots assist in training new employees.aimmediahouse+1

Investment and Industry Context

The investment estimate, discussed with investors earlier this month, covers industrial robots, automated logistics, and future human-robot collaboration. Toyota did not specify whether the spending would definitely proceed or for how many years it would continue.reuters

Analysts at Bernstein said Friday that Toyota's growing focus on robotics could broaden investor appreciation of the company's growth potential beyond automobiles. "We expect robotics-related announcements to become more frequent going forward as Toyota accelerates its robotics efforts," they wrote.theedgemalaysia+1

The move comes as automakers across the industry turn to robotics to offset labor shortages and aging infrastructure. Hyundai, which owns Boston Dynamics, plans to deploy humanoid robots at its U.S. plant in Georgia from 2028. BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke AG has expanded its use of Figure AI's humanoid robots at its Spartanburg plant.aimmediahouse+1

Coexistence, Not Replacement

Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima framed the initiative as complementary to human labor. "Robots are not meant to replace humans, but rather we aim for a world where they coexist with humans," he said.news.sbs