Fujitsu and Nvidia to co-develop AI systems for next-gen manufacturing
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Japan’s technology sector is entering a new phase as two global firms take the lead. Nvidia, the US-based maker of AI chips, and Fujitsu, Japan’s computer and telecommunications company, have agreed to co-develop artificial intelligence infrastructure and smart robotics systems. Their goal is to position Japan as a global leader in AI-driven manufacturing and robotics by 2030, addressing labor shortages and the growing need for automation.
Building the backbone of AI infrastructure
The Nvidia-Fujitsu alliance marks a pivotal step in Japan’s national digital strategy. The two companies will build a full-stack AI infrastructure that supports applications in healthcare, manufacturing, environmental management, and advanced computing. At the core are Fujitsu’s MONAKA CPUs integrated with Nvidia’s GPUs through NVLink Fusion, creating faster, more energy-efficient processing systems.
This collaboration ties closely to FugakuNEXT, Japan’s planned successor to the Fugaku supercomputer. FugakuNEXT is projected to reach nearly 600 exaflops of performance using FP8 precision, placing it among the most powerful AI systems worldwide. The infrastructure will serve as both a national computing asset and a testing platform for industrial AI, signaling Japan’s intent to link high-performance computing with its industrial modernization.
Although neither company disclosed financial details, the project reflects a shared belief that AI infrastructure is as critical to modern economies as energy or transportation. Combining Nvidia’s hardware expertise with Fujitsu’s deep industrial presence aims to establish the foundation for AI-powered innovation across sectors.
Robotics and automation at the core of transformation
A central focus of the partnership lies in robotics. Japan’s aging population and shrinking labor pool are driving industries to automate production lines. Fujitsu and Nvidia are developing AI-powered robots that can learn and adapt through real-time data.
Collaboration with Yaskawa Electric, a major Japanese robot manufacturer, is under discussion as one of the first potential projects. Nvidia’s GPUs will enable robots to analyze visual, sensory, and operational data in real time, improving precision and response. Fujitsu’s digital twin technology adds another layer by simulating industrial systems to anticipate maintenance needs and improve efficiency.
Beyond Japan, the same model could be replicated in global markets. Combining robotics, digital twins, and AI-based computing may offer a practical framework for manufacturers confronting similar labor shortages and production demands worldwide.
Toward a humancentric AI economy
Fujitsu CEO Takahito Tokita described the partnership as “humancentric,” focused on supporting workers rather than replacing them. The companies aim to integrate AI tools that complement human judgment and promote safer, more efficient workplaces.
This perspective reflects Japan’s approach to industrial ethics, which values social resilience as much as productivity. The collaboration could extend AI into sectors where human oversight remains essential, such as healthcare, logistics, and small-scale production.
Still, progress will depend on public policy. Regulations for autonomous robots, safety standards, and training initiatives must evolve in step with technology. Without clear governance, widespread AI adoption in manufacturing could slow.
Global significance and future outlook
For Nvidia, the agreement reinforces its leadership in AI hardware. Its GPUs are already the backbone of most global machine learning systems, and Japan’s commitment to deploy them in industrial applications underscores that position. For Fujitsu, the collaboration brings its computing expertise to a global stage, reflecting its transition from traditional hardware manufacturing to data-centered services.
Japan’s manufacturing identity has long been tied to precision and reliability. Embedding AI within that tradition could help the country regain influence in an era driven by digital production. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said during the Tokyo event, “The AI industrial revolution has already begun.”
If successful, the partnership could redefine how industrial nations approach automation. With Nvidia’s computing power and Fujitsu’s experience, Japan’s AI strategy may serve as a model for a balanced, human-centered approach to industrial innovation.
Sources:
AP News