Toyota plans to deploy 400,000 robots as part of a $6.4 billion annual investment strategy to transform into a global robotics company. The world’s largest automaker announced this through its spinout Walden Robotics, which went public in July with a $1.1 billion valuation. Goldman Sachs analysts estimate the firm could capture three to eight percent of the humanoid robot market by 2035. Competitors include Tesla, Xpeng, and Hyundai, with the latter aiming to build its Atlas robot in the US in 2028.
A company executive stated that internal factories receive priority for robot deployment because the environment is easier to control. Investors remain cautious given previous disappointments with hydrogen cars and solid-state batteries. The focus remains on specific industrial applications rather than broad consumer adoption.
* Deployment targets internal factories before external markets
* Walden Robotics raised $300 million in its initial funding round
* Hyundai plans to launch its Atlas robot in the US in 2028
