Cars & Mobility

Mitsubishi uses AI humanoids in factories to address labor crisis

Mitsubishi Motors has signed an agreement with startup Highlanders to develop humanoids for production starting in 2027.

24 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Mitsubishi uses AI humanoids in factories to address labor crisis — Photo: Steven-L-Johnson · Flickr · BY

Mitsubishi Motors has announced that it has signed an agreement with startup Highlanders Inc., founded in 2023 and affiliated with the University of Tokyo, to tackle the labor crisis in the sector. The collaboration involves using humanoids equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) in production.

According to reports, the goal is to capture the know-how of outgoing workers and transfer it to new generations. This approach aims to facilitate generational change in an increasingly rigid labor market, where labor shortages are becoming more severe.

Archive photo: Mitsubishi uses AI humanoids in factories to address labor crisis — Archive photoPhoto: DennisM2 · Flickr · CC0

The robots developed by Highlanders include a model called 'N', which is capable of walking, performing manual tasks, and interacting verbally. Mitsubishi expects to begin production of 1,000 units per month starting in 2027 to meet business needs.

Mitsubishi's decision reflects a broader trend among manufacturers to rethink how work is conducted in factories, given the current difficulties in recruiting workers.

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