Observed Signal · Feb 19, 2026 · Partnership / Deployment · Source: TechCrunch · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Toyota Embraces Humanoid Robots for RAV4 Production
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has hired seven Digit humanoid robots from Agility Robotics under a robots-as-a-service arrangement after a year-long pilot. The robots will work in a plant that builds RAV4 SUVs, unloading totes of auto parts from an automated warehouse tugger. Agility Robotics, spun out of Oregon State University, provides a cloud-based fleet-management software called Arc and positions AI as key to lowering deployment costs. The article notes real-world humanoid deployments remain rare and operationally challenging, and cites other pilots by Figure.AI (BMW) and deployments with logistics firms like GXO, Schaeffler and Amazon. Toyota and Agility intend to use the engagement to pioneer further use cases that reduce repetitive physical tasks for human workers.
Real-world deployment of humanoid robots at a major automaker signals incremental progress toward commercial adoption, but is not yet industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada hired seven Digit humanoid robots from Agility Robotics under a robots-as-a-service deal following a year-long pilot.
- The robots will unload totes of auto parts from an automated warehouse tugger at a plant building RAV4 SUVs.
- Agility Robotics built the Digit robot and provides a cloud-based fleet management software called Arc.
- Figure.AI tested its Figure 02 robots in a BMW factory for ten months and reported unloading 90,000 parts.
- Agility Robotics has deployed Digits in logistics roles for companies including GXO, Schaeffler, and Amazon.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Chinese Automakers Follow Tesla into Humanoid Robots
Chinese automakers are increasingly investing in humanoid robots, following the example set by Tesla and advances in AI. Xpeng’s robotics unit raised more than $900 million at a post-money valuation above $6.3 billion in a round led by IDG Capital with participation from Gaorong Ventures, Tencent, and Alibaba. Other automakers and suppliers — including BYD, Chery’s robotics unit AiMOGA, Changan, GAC, Li Auto, SAIC, Seres, Hyundai (via Boston Dynamics), Mobileye, and Rivian — are developing or acquiring humanoid robotics capabilities. Industry observers note automakers’ manufacturing strengths but question whether they can catch up on AI. The article cites planned IPO preparations, acquisitions, factory deployments, and company investments that signal a broader bet that robots could become a more profitable business than vehicles for some automakers.
Xiaomi's Humanoid Robots: The Future of EV Production
Xiaomi has begun trialing its humanoid robots in its electric vehicle production plants, company president Lu Weibing told CNBC. He said two humanoid robots can complete about 90% of the work in three hours and can perform tasks such as installing nuts and moving materials; they are able to keep up with the factory’s pace where a car leaves the assembly line every 76 seconds. Xiaomi first revealed its CyberOne humanoid in 2022 but is not currently selling it. The trials are early-stage, with Lu describing the robots as acting “like interns.” The report notes a broader acceleration in Chinese robotics development—other Chinese companies including XPeng and Honor are developing humanoids—and cites an RBC Capital Markets forecast estimating a $9 trillion global humanoid addressable market by 2050, with China representing over 60%.
China Leads Humanoid Robot Market with Strategic Advantages
The article analyzes why Chinese humanoid-robot makers are leading the early market, citing government strategy, a strong hardware supply chain, manufacturing scale and rapid iteration. China’s focus on automation, policy support, private capital and EV-era supply chains (sensors, batteries, assembly) have allowed companies such as Unitree and Agibot to ship far more units than U.S. rivals and pursue both mass-market and high-end use cases across industrial, consumer and rehabilitation sectors. Experts note the shift from demo-focused publicity to operations-driven adoption in contained environments like manufacturing, logistics and retail, while highlighting persistent software, data and safety challenges. The piece also surveys other APAC efforts (notably Japan and Hyundai/Boston Dynamics) and emphasizes that hardware is ahead of software for humanoids, with Nvidia prominent in the software/hardware stack and Chinese firms exploring domestic chip alternatives.
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