Japan backs domestic AI model for robotics

Japan’s industry ministry has approved ¥387.3 billion in funding for a domestic AI project to develop a multimodal foundation model for physical AI systems that control robots. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Japan’s position in advanced AI technologies.

The project aims to develop a foundation model that can be widely adopted by Japanese companies to support industrial automation and robotics. Officials see the initiative as a strategic effort to narrow the technology gap with the United States and China in next-generation AI.

The programme is being led by Noetra Corp., a consortium that includes SoftBank Corp. Engineers from SoftBank and Preferred Networks Inc. will contribute to development alongside researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and other partners.

Over the next five years, the consortium plans to release an initial version of the foundation model during the current fiscal year, followed by annual upgrades incorporating industrial data from manufacturers and other participating companies.

Why does it matter? 

Japan’s investment reflects the growing importance of sovereign AI capabilities as countries seek greater control over the foundation models that will power future industries. By developing a domestic model tailored to robotics and industrial automation, Japan aims to strengthen its manufacturing sector while reducing reliance on foreign AI platforms.

The initiative also highlights the shift towards physical AI as the next frontier of AI development. As foundation models increasingly move beyond text and images to control robots and other autonomous systems, advances in multimodal AI could reshape manufacturing, logistics and other industrial sectors where Japan has long been a global leader.

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