Toyota estimates $6.4bn robotics spend from 2028
Toyota Motor estimates that expanding automation across its factories, group companies, and major suppliers could require around 400,000 robots and annual spending of about 1 trillion yen ($6.4 billion) starting in 2028. The company discussed this potential investment with investors in September, though it has not confirmed whether the full amount will be spent or for how long. The figure covers…
Key points
- Toyota estimates 400,000 robots and $6.4bn annual spend from 2028 for automation.
- KumiPro robot uses cameras to pick loosely positioned parts on production lines.
- Toyota Research Institute works with Boston Dynamics on Atlas humanoid AI control.
Toyota is developing "physical AI" technologies to address labor shortages and skill transfer. Its KumiPro robot uses cameras to pick loosely positioned parts and is already operating at Toyota Motor East Japan. The company is also testing ELEY, a robot with human-like arms designed to handle physical contact and unexpected forces. Additionally, Toyota Research Institute is using reinforcement learning in simulated environments to train humanoid robots, aiming to close the gap between simulation and real-world performance.
The move places physical AI in focus as Japan remains a major market for industrial robots. In 2024, Japan had about 450,500 robots in operation, with the automotive industry installing about 13,000 new units. Competitor Hyundai Motor Group is also deploying humanoid robots, planning to introduce Boston Dynamics' Atlas at its Savannah plant in 2028. Toyota and Boston Dynamics are collaborating on AI control systems for the Atlas robot, using Large Behavior Models to teach complex tasks.
The story so far
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Toyota’s $6.4bn robotics estimate puts physical AI in focus
AI News · 22 September 2026
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This text was published by AI News and written by Muhammad Zulhusni. It is reproduced here with attribution so you can read it in full; the rights remain with the publisher. Read it at the source ↗
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