Nvidia is strengthening its presence in Japan by partnering with leading robotics companies Fanuc and Yaskawa Electric, as the company seeks to accelerate the development of physical AI and intelligent automation.

Speaking at an event in Tokyo, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized that artificial intelligence will fundamentally transform robotics by making machines smarter, more adaptable, and easier to deploy across industries. The collaboration reflects Nvidia’s growing strategy of extending AI beyond data centers into factories, industrial automation, and autonomous systems.

Alongside the partnership announcements, government-backed AI company Noetra revealed plans to purchase 27,500 Nvidia Rubin AI chips to support the development of physical AI infrastructure. The company expects construction to begin in 2027, with operations scheduled to start the following year.

Physical AI—where AI models interact directly with the physical world through robots, machines, and autonomous systems—is emerging as one of the industry’s next major growth areas. Nvidia has increasingly positioned itself as the technology platform powering this transition through advanced GPUs, AI software, and robotics frameworks.

Japan represents a strategic market for this vision. Although the country no longer dominates semiconductor manufacturing as it did decades ago, it remains a global leader in industrial robotics, factory automation, semiconductor materials, and manufacturing equipment. Companies such as Fanuc and Yaskawa are among the world’s largest suppliers of industrial robots, making them natural partners for Nvidia’s AI ecosystem.

Huang’s visit also included meetings with executives from key Japanese semiconductor companies, including Kioxia and Tokyo Electron, highlighting Nvidia’s continued efforts to strengthen relationships across Asia’s semiconductor supply chain.

The announcements come amid continued optimism surrounding AI infrastructure investment. Major industry players including ASML and TSMC have recently increased investment plans, reinforcing expectations that demand for AI computing and advanced semiconductor technologies will remain strong.

By combining Nvidia’s AI platforms with Japan’s expertise in robotics and precision manufacturing, the partnership illustrates how the next phase of AI growth is shifting from digital applications toward intelligent machines operating in real-world environments.