Toyota, Yokogawa partner on lunar rover
27th May 2026
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Yokogawa) have formalised a partnership to develop critical control and measurement technologies for Japan’s planned manned lunar rover.
The collaboration will focus on prototype measurement and control equipment for the pressurised rover, known as the Lunar Cruiser, which is being developed by Toyota in partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The project represents a significant step in Japan’s ambitions for sustained lunar exploration, with the rover designed to operate both with crew onboard and remotely, enabling continuous exploration of the Moon’s surface.
Yokogawa will contribute its expertise in measurement, control and industrial instrumentation to support the development of systems capable of operating reliably in extreme space environments. The agreement includes design and procurement work for prototype systems, with a particular focus on control platforms and battery measurement technologies.
From an engineering perspective, the integration of precise measurement and control systems is critical for ensuring safe and efficient operation in the harsh conditions of space, where temperature extremes, radiation and isolation place unique demands on vehicle systems.
The Lunar Cruiser is expected to be Japan’s first standalone crewed space mobility system, significantly expanding the scope and duration of human exploration on the lunar surface. The ability to operate autonomously or remotely also introduces new requirements for system redundancy, reliability and real-time data monitoring.
Yokogawa’s involvement builds on its long-standing track record in delivering high-reliability systems for demanding environments, including polar regions and deep-sea applications. The company said insights gained from the lunar rover program are expected to flow back into its terrestrial products, enhancing performance across industries.
Hidehito Shiratsu, head of Yokogawa’s Space Business Development Office, said the partnership highlights the company’s growing focus on space as a strategic area of development.
The program is targeting a launch timeline of 2031 or later, with ongoing development work aimed at refining system performance and preparing for operational deployment.
The partnership underscores how automotive and industrial engineering expertise is increasingly being applied to next-generation space mobility systems, bridging the gap between terrestrial and extraterrestrial transport technologies.
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