Nvidia announced a partnership with Japanese robotics leaders Fanuc and Yaskawa Electric on July 16 in Tokyo, aiming to embed AI into industrial robots. CEO Jensen Huang said the move would make robots "smart, easily adaptable and accessible," a shift that could reshape manufacturing automation for IT and development teams worldwide.
Separately, government-backed Noetra, which counts Sony among its investors, said it would purchase 27,500 Nvidia Rubin chips to develop what it calls "physical AI." The deal signals growing demand for hardware that powers AI-driven robotics.
Star power and supply chain ties
Huang's visit drew crowds in Tokyo. On Wednesday he attended a Sega Sammy event in the Akihabara electronics district and later dined at an izakaya, where he handed out bread and tea to media and bystanders. The CEO, wearing his signature leather jacket despite the summer heat, was also photographed with executives from chipmaker Kioxia and equipment maker Tokyo Electron.
"I think he's the most influential man on Earth," said Chang Hui-Yu, a Taiwanese tourist outside the Sega event. Brian Yang, a Taiwanese resident of Tokyo, added, "It was my first time seeing Jensen Huang in person and I was so excited."
Chip industry momentum
Japan's share of chipmaking has declined since the 1980s, but the country remains a leader in materials and equipment. The AI investment cycle is strengthening, with ASML raising its sales forecast and TSMC posting record earnings and increasing its capital spending forecast on Thursday.
A leather-jacket summit
At a government AI event, Huang appeared alongside industry minister Ryosei Akazawa, who also wore a leather jacket. "I'm so happy the two of us have a similar sense of style," Huang said, addressing the minister.
Why this matters for IT and Development
Nvidia's robotics push signals that industrial AI is moving from research labs to factory floors. IT teams will need to manage AI model deployment, data pipelines, and integration with existing automation systems. Staying current with AI for IT & Development skills will be essential as more factories adopt adaptable, AI-powered machines.
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