Bernstein analysts say Japanese automakers' interest in humanoid robots is
re-emerging. Mitsubishi Motors has signed an MoU with a Japanese startup to
jointly develop and mass-produce humanoid robots. Bernstein projects global
humanoid-robot shipments could reach 49 million units by 2050, expanding the
market to about $729 billion. It notes core technology overlap—actuators,
sensors, batteries, control units and AI software—where automakers and suppliers
have built expertise via vehicle deployment, making the sector attractive to the
auto industry.