Japan faces AI robotics gap at GMO Physical AI 2026 conference

At the 4th GMO Conference Autumn Physical AI 2026 held in Tokyo, industry leaders and government officials discussed Japan's position in the rapidly evolving field of physical AI and humanoid robotics.

Masatoshi Kumagai, representative of GMO Internet Group, expressed a sense of urgency, stating that Japan has fallen behind in the AI and robotics race over the last three years and ten months. He noted that while Japan could catch up during the internet revolution, the current pace of generative AI development is vertical. Kumagai emphasized that Japan must leverage its existing expertise in motors, precision machinery, and manufacturing to establish a domestic humanoid industry to combat labor shortages caused by a declining population.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also participated in the discussions, addressing the importance of AI robots as a national goal, with discussions touching upon the potential for large-scale deployment to support sectors such as logistics, nursing care, and construction.