Highlanders Launches Initiative for Mass Production of Domestic Humanoid Robots

Highlanders, Inc. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hiroya Masuoka), a venture originating from the University of Tokyo, has officially launched an initiative aimed at the mass production of domestic humanoid robots and released a teaser video. Through this initiative, Highlanders will utilize its proprietary general-purpose humanoid robots and physical AI technology to build a Japanese-led framework for robot development, manufacturing, and social implementation. As the next phase of the overall plan, the company intends to release details regarding product information and mass production plans for its latest humanoid robot around the summer of 2026. In collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Highlanders has begun exploring the use of humanoid robots in the automotive industry. The goal is to apply the automotive industry's experience in large-scale social implementation of complex machinery—such as quality control, procurement, production technology, mass production line construction, and safety evaluation—to the next-generation humanoid robot industry. Additionally, Highlanders has accepted an investment from Mitsubishi Motors. To date, Highlanders has conducted numerous verification tests across diverse domains, including defense, infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, telecommunications, and automotive. For the mass production of general-purpose humanoid robots, a robust manufacturing foundation that supports product scalability is essential, including not only AI software but also motors, reducers, batteries, sensors, control boards, and assembly lines. Highlanders is advancing collaborations with multiple manufacturing partners to localize the production and procurement of major components, starting with motors, which are core parts of the robot, and to build a domestic supply chain. The company is committed to establishing a Japanese-based physical AI industrial foundation capable of handling development, manufacturing, and maintenance entirely within Japan, while reducing reliance on overseas parts.