Japanese automotive giant founded in 1937, Toyota has invested in humanoid robotics through its Partner Robot series since 2005 and the T-HR3 telepresence humanoid unveiled in 2017. Established the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) in 2016 in Silicon Valley to advance AI and robotics research.
Toyota Motor Corporation is the world's largest automaker by volume, founded in 1937. In robotics, Toyota has invested heavily through its Partner Robot Division and the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), developing humanoid platforms including the T-HR3 teleoperated humanoid and Punyo, a soft-bodied robot for whole-body manipulation research. Toyota committed $1 billion to AI and robotics research through TRI.
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July Was Loud in Robotics — Here's What Actually Mattered
Dhruv AtkinsToyota's robotics ambitions began in 2000 with its Partner Robot Division, fusing decades of industrial robot manufacturing with automotive electronics and AI. First creations were musical humanoids, trumpet and violin-performing robots showcased at the 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan.
In November 2015, Toyota announced a $1 billion investment to establish the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) for AI and robotics. The HSR (Human Support Robot), in development since 2012, was deployed to research communities worldwide.
The T-HR3, Toyota's third-generation humanoid, was unveiled in November 2017. It pioneered a master-slave teleoperation system for dangerous environments, disaster zones, construction, medical facilities, and outer space.
In 2024, TRI introduced Punyo, a soft-bodied humanoid using whole-body manipulation, hugging, cradling, pressing objects against its torso. Toyota continues to pursue robotics from industrial automation to elder care and space exploration.
