Major Japanese manufacturers announced plans to jointly develop a platform for physical AI, targeting the start of trial operations in September 2026. The initiatives of 安川電機, 川崎重工業, 富士通, ファナック and NBIA, among others, were introduced.
Physical AI is a technology that places the “brain” of AI in the bodies of robots and machines so they can operate in the real world. Interest is growing in Japan against a backdrop of labor shortages in factories, logistics and nursing care, and major industrial robot manufacturers such as ファナック and 安川電機 are reportedly pursuing collaborative initiatives.
On 16 July 2026, 富士通, ファナック, 安川電機, 川崎重工業 and NBIA announced plans to jointly develop a platform for physical AI. The plan is to create a control platform that connects robots and machines through common software and enables intelligent operation. Trial operations are scheduled to begin at 富士通's Kasajima Plant in September 2026, with Version 1 targeted by year-end and Version 2 in 2027.
安川電機 reportedly conducted a joint demonstration with ソフトバンク on 13 July, confirming that wire harnesses, whose shapes vary each time, could be packed consistently when AI directed the work on site. 川崎重工業 announced a policy of establishing a growth investment framework of approximately ¥550 billion over four years from fiscal 2027.
トヨタ自動車 unveiled a new robot, “Ellie,” at its Woven City? Future Creation Center. The design enables it to work with its arms while moving, and the company explained that it aims to make the robot move flexibly by bringing the construction of its joints closer to that of humans. Parts manufacturers including ナブテスコ and NSK are also involved, and development of components for robot joints and limbs is reportedly progressing.