Toyota Contracts Seven Agility Humanoid Robots For Canadian Factory

Toyota Humanoid Robots Deployed in Canadian RAV4 Plant

Toyota humanoid robots are now actively supporting RAV4 assembly operations in Canada. Following a successful year-long pilot program, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has formally contracted seven Digit humanoid robots from Agility Robotics. These advanced machines will handle repetitive material-handling tasks at the Ontario-based facility. This strategic move addresses widespread curiosity about how major automakers are integrating next-generation robotics into daily production workflows. Here's what this deployment means for manufacturing efficiency, team member experience, and the evolving landscape of automotive assembly.

Credit: Agility Robotics

Toyota Humanoid Robots Begin RAV4 Production Duties

The integration of Toyota humanoid robots marks a significant milestone in industrial automation. These seven Digit units are now officially part of the production ecosystem at Toyota's Canadian plant. Their primary role focuses on unloading totes filled with automotive components from automated warehouse transport systems. This task, while seemingly simple, represents a critical link in maintaining seamless production flow. By assigning this physically repetitive work to humanoid robots, Toyota aims to reduce strain on human workers. The deployment follows rigorous evaluation and testing to ensure reliability and safety in a live manufacturing environment.

How Agility Robotics' Digit Robots Transform Auto Manufacturing

Agility Robotics' Digit platform is engineered specifically for dynamic industrial settings. Unlike traditional fixed-arm robots, Digit moves bipedally, allowing it to navigate spaces designed for human workers. This mobility enables the robot to bridge gaps between automated systems that previously required manual intervention. Digit's sensors and AI-driven navigation allow it to operate safely without constant human supervision. The robot's design emphasizes adaptability, meaning it can be reprogrammed for new tasks as production needs evolve. This flexibility makes humanoid robots a compelling option for manufacturers seeking scalable automation solutions.

Why Toyota Chose Robots-as-a-Service for Factory Automation

Toyota's adoption of a robots-as-a-service model reflects a strategic shift in how companies approach automation investment. Instead of purchasing robots outright, Toyota contracts the units through a subscription-style agreement. This model reduces upfront capital expenditure and shifts maintenance and updates to the robotics provider. It also allows Toyota to scale the fleet up or down based on production demands. The approach minimizes risk while accelerating the integration of cutting-edge technology. For manufacturers exploring automation, this flexible framework offers a practical pathway to innovation without long-term commitment.

What Digit Humanoid Robots Actually Do on the Factory Floor

On the RAV4 production line, Digit humanoid robots perform a precise, high-frequency task: unloading parts totes from autonomous tuggers. This process requires consistent accuracy and timing to avoid bottlenecks. Digit uses its articulated arms and grippers to lift, carry, and place totes onto designated stations. Its bipedal movement allows it to step over cables or minor obstacles that might halt wheeled robots. The robot operates alongside human team members, with safety protocols ensuring clear zones and emergency stop capabilities. This collaboration highlights a future where robots handle ergonomically challenging tasks while humans focus on complex assembly and quality control.

The Future of Humanoid Robots in Automotive Assembly Lines

This Canadian deployment signals a broader trend toward humanoid robotics in global manufacturing. Automakers are increasingly exploring how bipedal robots can enhance flexibility without costly facility redesigns. As AI and sensor technology advance, these robots will likely take on more complex roles, from quality inspection to just-in-time parts delivery. Toyota's real-world testing provides valuable data on reliability, maintenance needs, and return on investment. Other manufacturers are watching closely, as successful integration could accelerate adoption across the sector. The next five years may reveal humanoid robots becoming standard support tools on assembly lines worldwide.

How This Deployment Affects Toyota Workers and Workplace Safety

A core objective of introducing Toyota humanoid robots is to improve the team member experience. By automating repetitive, physically demanding tasks, the company aims to reduce worker fatigue and injury risk. Human employees can then redirect their skills toward higher-value activities like problem-solving, precision assembly, and process optimization. Safety remains paramount: Digit operates within defined zones and uses advanced perception to avoid collisions. Toyota emphasizes that these robots are designed to augment, not replace, human workers. Early feedback from the pilot phase indicated positive reception from staff, who reported less physical strain during shifts. This human-centered approach to automation could set a new standard for responsible tech adoption in manufacturing.
The strategic integration of humanoid robotics represents more than a technological upgrade—it's a reimagining of workflow collaboration. Toyota's measured, pilot-first approach demonstrates how industrial innovation can align with workforce well-being. As these seven Digit robots continue their work on the RAV4 line, they generate insights that will shape the next generation of smart factories. For the automotive industry, this deployment is a compelling case study in balancing efficiency gains with human-centric design. The era of humanoid robots in manufacturing isn't coming—it's already here, quietly transforming how vehicles are built, one tote at a time.