Toyota Trains Humanoid Robots with Workers, Cites No Human Replacement

Toyota Motor group has begun training its workforce to assist in the development of humanoid robots, a move intended to eventually deploy 400,000 factory robots. Company executives have stated that this initiative is not designed to directly replace human workers.

Beginning in 2028, Toyota plans to invest $6.42 billion annually to upgrade its factories with this new robotic workforce. The automaker aims to integrate 150,000 robots into its own automotive plants and deploy an additional 250,000 robots at facilities belonging to its group companies, which produce various components and materials.

Toyota has already started deploying some of its ELEY humanoid robots on assembly lines. Workers are reportedly teaching these wheeled robots to perform tasks requiring precise hand movements by using "jigs" designed to mimic human finger actions, according to Nikkei Asia.

The company anticipates that this integration will enhance production efficiency and flexibility. Toyota suggests that the collaboration between humans and robots could foster new innovations and improve workplace safety.