Japan’s carmakers look into robotics, mobility and AI as global competition accelerates

Japanese carmakers are expanding beyond traditional vehicles to embrace sectors including robotics and mobility devices amid intensified global competition in hi-tech sectors. The shift is on display at the October 13-16 Japan Mobility Show Bizweek, where major players including Toyota and Nissan showed off collaborations with tech firms. The nation’s automobile industry has been struggling to compete with Chinese carmakers since China overtook Japan as the world’s top vehicle exporter in 2023.