Toyota’s CUE7 Robot Sets Basketball Records, Redefines AI and Robotics

Toyota’s latest humanoid robot, the CUE7, has shattered expectations by setting a world record for the most assisted free throws by a humanoid robot—2,020 in a row.

The CUE7 is the newest addition to Toyota’s CUE project, a venture into developing artificial intelligence from scratch. While Toyota is globally recognized as the world’s largest automaker, its roots trace back to the garment industry, where it began producing automatic looms in the early 1920s. The company did not enter the automotive industry until 1934, making it relatively new compared to many American automakers.

By 2026, Toyota plans to expand its focus into robotics, and the CUE7 is a bold demonstration of this ambition. The robot made its debut at an Alvark Tokyo home game at the Toyota Arena in Tokyo, where it showcased its basketball skills to an eager audience.

Inside the CUE Project: A Timeline of Innovation

The CUE Project, launched in 2017, is led by volunteers from Toyota’s Engineering Society. Its goal is to push the boundaries of AI development without relying on pre-existing frameworks.

• 2019: CUE3 set a Guinness World Record for the most successive free throws by a humanoid robot (assisted), achieving 2,020 consecutive shots.
• 2024: CUE6 broke another Guinness World Record for the longest shot by a humanoid robot, throwing the ball a distance of 24.55 meters (80.5 feet).

CUE7: The Next Evolution in Robotics

The CUE7 represents a full model upgrade from its predecessors. Unlike earlier versions, CUE7 can now:

• Shoot baskets with precision
• Dribble the basketball with human-like movements
• Move freely around the court

The robot stands at an impressive 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters) tall, weighs 163 pounds (74 kg), and is estimated to cost around $150,000. Its sleek design features a black Toyota-branded outfit and a two-wheel balancing system, giving it a futuristic yet athletic appearance.

Equipped with myriad cameras and sensors from head to wheel, CUE7 can analyze its environment in real time. It calculates the optimal force and trajectory to manipulate the ball, demonstrating advanced AI capabilities. While not flawless, these imperfections add a touch of humanity to the robot’s performance.

“The CUE project is about pushing the limits of what robots can do, blending technology with human-like movement and precision.” — Toyota Engineering Society