# Automotive industry humanoid robot integration

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/automotive-industry-humanoid-robot-integration
> Updated: 2026-10-18T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Major automotive manufacturers are advancing plans to integrate humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence into their global production networks to address labor shortages and increase manufacturing flexibility.

Toyota Motor Group announced a plan to deploy approximately 400,000 robots across its production network starting in 2028. This initiative involves an annual investment of roughly $6.4 to $6.5 billion and includes the development of humanoid models like the “ELEY” (Embodied Learning Robot For Enha). The strategy relies on experienced human workers to teach robots specific movements via AI-supported systems, aiming for a structure where humans and machines work side-by-side.

Similarly, Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a vision for “autonomous operating factories” utilizing digital twin technology and AI. The company plans to deploy humanoid robots in new facilities starting after 2032, following a period of refining virtual-based systems at its Singapore Global Innovation Center. Hyundai is implementing a “Software-Defined Factory” model and utilizing “Polaris,” a manufacturing-specific AI agent, to standardize global manufacturing platforms. Both companies emphasize that automation is intended to reassign human workers to safer, more critical roles rather than replacing them entirely.

## Claims

- The goal is to create 'autonomous operating factories' where AI, robotics, and digital twins enable self-optimization. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The group is transitioning to a Software-Defined Factory (SDF) structure to standardize manufacturing platforms globally. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy humanoid robots in new factories starting after 2032. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The company aims to advance virtual-based autonomous manufacturing systems at the Singapore Global Innovation Center (HMGICS) by 2030. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Automation is intended to reassign humans to safer, more important tasks rather than reducing headcount. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The 'Polaris' manufacturing-specific AI platform began pilot operations at the Ulsan EV plant in September. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Humanoid robots will be used for complex assembly and hazardous tasks, such as wiring harness installation and painting. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The company is developing technology to automatically generate robot movement paths, with a target completion date of June 2027. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Hyundai Motor Group to deploy humanoid robots in new factories after 2032

Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy humanoid robots and full automation in new factories from 2032, utilizing AI and digital twins to create autonomous, software-defined manufacturing environments.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hyundai-motor-group-to-deploy-humanoid-robots-in-new-factories-after-2032

### 2026-09-23: Toyota to deploy 400,000 robots in manufacturing overhaul

Toyota plans to invest billions annually to deploy 400,000 robots, including humanoid models, to work alongside human employees to enhance manufacturing flexibility and combat labor shortages.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toyota-to-deploy-400000-robots-in-manufacturing-overhaul

---
Cite as: Automotive industry humanoid robot integration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/automotive-industry-humanoid-robot-integration