Toyota establishes new robotics division to accelerate commercialization

Toyota Motor has announced the creation of a new company-wide organization, Toyota Robotics, which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The move aims to centralize robotics knowledge, talent, and functions that were previously dispersed across different departments.

Under the new structure, robotics will be treated as a core business pillar alongside electrification and software development, rather than just a subset of manufacturing. The division will be led by Takefumi Shiga, who serves as Operating Officer and Chief Production Officer. The company intends to position robots as partners to human workers to expand human potential and facilitate social implementation.

As part of a broader organizational restructuring, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda will serve as the head of a newly established Education Division to focus on talent development. The restructuring also includes the merger of the General Affairs and Human Resources Division with the Management Division.