Toyota plans to deploy 400,000 robots across its global manufacturing facilities. The initiative includes 150,000 units for Toyota's own plants and 250,000 units for its subsidiaries. The company operates 60 factories worldwide, currently employing approximately 18,000 workers.
The deployment will feature ELEY humanoid robots. These 50 kg units utilize a wheeled base, battery or grid power, and manipulator arms. They are designed for tasks such as material handling and folding fabric. The robots are capable of self-learning to optimize task execution.
Starting in 2028, Toyota and its subsidiaries will allocate up to $6.42 billion annually for factory upgrades and modernization. Robots will undergo testing and adaptation in specialized laboratories that simulate actual assembly line conditions.
The training process involves robots learning tasks through repetition. For instance, a robot learned to fold shirts perfectly after 1,500 attempts over two weeks. Once mastered, the software is replicated across the fleet. Toyota also intends to use robots to train new human employees.
