TOKYO — Japanese communications company Fujitsu is leading a major push to bring artificial intelligence into robotics using Nvidia technology, an initiative disclosed Thursday by the CEOs of both companies alongside the heads of Japan’s three largest industrial robot manufacturers.
The technology area known as “physical AI” refers to smart robots capable of independent decision-making rather than merely following programmed instructions, designed to work safely alongside people in factories, homes and hospitals.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Fujitsu CEO Takahito Tokita announced the collaboration with the heads of Fanuc Corp., Yaskawa Electric Corp., and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The announcement builds on a deal between Nvidia and Fujitsu announced last year.
The executives expressed hope that the robots could help address Japan’s acute labor shortage. Japan is among the most rapidly aging societies in the developed world, and the smart robots could assist in caring for elderly people living alone, they said.
Huang said physical AI was a good fit for Japan because of the country’s reputation for manufacturing quality, while noting that robots capable of moving on their own could potentially be dangerous.
Fujitsu described the effort as bringing together Japan’s manufacturing expertise in robotics with artificial intelligence. Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will integrate Nvidia technologies as part of the initiative, the company said.