Highlanders CEO: Humanoid Robot Parts to Be “Almost Entirely Domestic” in Mitsubishi Motors Collaboration

According to Nikkei xTECH, Highlanders CEO Masuoka said the company aims to produce 1,000 humanoid robots per month starting in spring 2027. The company announced a collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors in July 2026 and will set up a production line in Kyoto. Masuoka emphasized prioritizing domestic parts and said he believes robot hands need a sense of touch.

For companies seeking to mass-produce humanoid robots, the key point is not just the production target but what they plan to secure domestically and which functions they consider essential for mass production. Highlanders CEO Masuoka described the policy of sourcing almost all parts domestically as a response to rare-earth supply risks. He also said tactile sensing is essential for robot hands to meet or exceed human capabilities, offering insight into the company's procurement criteria and functional requirements.