Toyota and Honda turn to AI robots to transform car manufacturing
Toyota develops a new AI-powered factory robot
Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda are exploring new ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) in car manufacturing. According to a report by Automotive News, both companies want robots to perform tasks that have traditionally required human workers.
These tasks include installing wiring, moving vehicle parts into position and checking finished cars for problems. However, the two companies are using different methods to bring AI-powered robotics into their factories.
Toyota is developing a robot called ELEY, short for Embodied Learning Robot for Enhanced Yield. Unlike traditional humanoid robots, ELEY moves on wheels and uses robotic arms and grippers to handle vehicle components.
The robot is designed to move, position and handle parts during car production. Toyota plans to introduce the technology gradually because AI-powered robots still need to become more reliable when performing complex physical tasks.
The company wants robots to take over repetitive work while human employees focus on tasks that require experience, judgment and decision-making. This approach could help improve productivity without immediately replacing workers across the factory.
Honda explores car designs that robots can assemble
Honda is taking a different approach by considering how cars can be designed to make robotic assembly easier. Company CEO Toshihiro Mibe has discussed including robot-friendly features earlier in the vehicle development process.
This could influence how engineers design and position different car components. Making parts easier for robots to connect and install could simplify production and help manufacturers reduce costs.
However, Honda has not announced when it might begin mass-producing vehicles specifically designed for robotic assembly. The approach remains part of its broader efforts to explore new manufacturing methods.
Honda tests its Avatar Robot technology
Honda is also developing an Avatar Robot that combines remotely controlled robotic hands with AI assistance. The company demonstrated this technology at CEATEC 2026 in Japan, held from October 13 to 16.
The system allows a human operator to control a robot from a distance. Its multi-fingered hands can handle objects and tools, while AI helps manage movements and grip.
Honda sees possible uses for the technology in healthcare, facility maintenance and disaster response. However, the Avatar Robot is still under development and does not mean that fully autonomous robots are already widely operating in Honda’s car factories.
How AI-powered robots could change car production
AI-powered robots could make car factories more flexible by learning tasks and responding to different working conditions. Traditional industrial robots usually repeat programmed movements, while newer AI-based systems aim to handle a wider range of activities.
These technologies could reduce physically demanding work, improve production efficiency and help manufacturers deal with labour shortages. However, companies will need to ensure that robots are safe, accurate and reliable before using them on a large scale.
Toyota and Honda’s efforts show that AI could change not only how cars are made but also how factories are designed and operated. The pace of change will depend on how well these systems perform in real manufacturing conditions.
Toyota and Honda are exploring different ways to bring AI into car manufacturing. Toyota is developing robots to handle factory tasks, while Honda is looking at both robot-friendly car designs and remotely controlled robotic technology.
These developments could make production faster and reduce some difficult tasks for workers. However, the technology still needs improvement, and its wider use will depend on cost, safety and reliability.
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