Jakarta, INTI - Japan plans to develop a sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) model and create 10 million AI-based robots ready to operate in various industrial sectors by 2040.
CNA reported that the investment required to develop these AI model and robots will reach 1 trillion yen, with several companies participating as investors. SoftBank and Sony are participating in this plan.
The two companies have formed a consortium called Noetra, which will develop the sovereign AI model. Development funds are projected to be available within the next five years, depending on initial results.
Several countries, including Japan, are beginning to encourage the development of their own national AI to reduce dependence on the US and China. It is widely known that both countries are competing to develop the best AI products.
In addition to SoftBank and Sony, the number of companies investing in Noetra is projected to reach 44, including companies in the automotive, manufacturing, financial services, and even logistics industries.
Focusing on Physical AI
Noetra will focus on the development of physical AI. Rather than developing AI systems in software like generative AI products (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.), Japan wants physical AI products that can be deployed in the real world. Those include factory robots, service robots, or self-driving cars. Japan also aims to begin employing these AI-based robots by 2040.
"This strategy sets a target of approximately 10 million robots to be deployed by 2040," said Japan’s Minister of Industry, Ryosei Akazawa.
The target is for these robots to be used in 18 industrial sectors in Japan, including the restaurant, food manufacturing and medical sectors. With an aging and shrinking population, these robots are expected to fill gaps in the labor market.
"We will build and grow data infrastructure for physical AI and robots that capitalise on Japan's strengths," he explained.
Conclusion
Japan is preparing a major strategy to develop a sovereign AI model and is targeting the deployment of 10 million AI-based robots across 18 industrial sectors by 2040. The investment required reaches 1 trillion yen. Through the Noetra consortium formed by SoftBank and Sony, and supported by dozens of companies from various sectors, Japan will develop physical AI focused on industrial robots, service robots, and autonomous vehicles, rather than solely developing software-based AI. This step is part of an effort to reduce dependence on AI technology from the United States and China.
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