Yamaha Motor consolidated its robotics operations into a new subsidiary Tuesday, betting on semiconductor manufacturing equipment to reduce its dependence on motorcycles and marine products that account for nearly 90% of sales.
The newly formed Yamaha Robotics integrates the company’s existing robotics holdings with three acquired firms—Shinkawa, APIC YAMADA, and PFA Corporation. The unit specializes in equipment that mounts electronic components on semiconductor substrates and handles back-end chip assembly processes.
The move comes as Yamaha Motor seeks to establish robotics as a third pillar alongside its core businesses. The robotics division generated ¥113.3 billion ($750 million) in revenue for fiscal 2024 but posted an operating loss of ¥3.0 billion ($20 million), according to company filings.
Yamaha Motor, which began developing industrial robots in 1974 for its own motorcycle production, now aims to capture growing demand in the semiconductor sector. The company targets over ¥50 billion ($330 million) in robotics revenue by 2027 and ¥100 billion ($660 million) in semiconductor back-end equipment sales by the early 2030s.
Global semiconductor sales reached $627.6 billion in 2024, rising 19.1% from the previous year, creating opportunities for equipment manufacturers. However, Yamaha faces established competitors in a capital-intensive industry where customer relationships often span decades.
The integration reflects broader efforts by Japanese manufacturers to diversify revenue streams as traditional markets mature.
