As physical AI, the application of AI to the real world, attracts attention, this article highlights the strengths Japanese companies demonstrate through implementation components such as sensors and motors.
The evolution of AI is not confined to what happens on a screen. Physical AI, which enters the real world to enable robots to operate, autonomously optimize factories and make logistics operations more intelligent, is receiving increasing attention.
While Japan is said to lag behind in the competition to develop AI foundation models, it has strengths in tangible industries such as components, machinery, control systems and on-site implementation. The supply of components that make up the physical body is also expected to be important for physical AI.
Physical AI requires a high level of safety, sensor accuracy, control technology and validation environments. Misrecognition or malfunction in the real world could lead to accidents or losses, making careful design and validation essential.
From the supply-side perspective, the sector is characterized by its broad industrial base. In addition to AI models, it encompasses sensors, motors, reducers, electronic components, analog semiconductors, communications, power supplies, simulation, implementation technologies, and maintenance and operations.