Toyota expects factory automation across its business network to require about 1 trillion yen, or around 6.4 billion dollars, every year from 2028. The estimate covers the company, its group businesses and major suppliers as manufacturing operations increasingly adopt robotics.

The company expects around 400,000 robots could be required for the planned automation drive. The figure includes both new installations and replacement machines, covering different types of robots used in manufacturing.

The investment is aimed at modernising production facilities and expanding the use of automated systems. The wider automobile industry is also increasing its reliance on robotics as manufacturers look for ways to improve production and address ageing infrastructure and labour shortages.