Japanese tech firms adopt AI agents and FDE models

Japanese technology companies and organizations are increasingly adopting the Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) model and AI agent integration to drive digital transformation and industrial evolution.

Hitachi, Ltd. is implementing an ‘Agentic AI Integration Platform’ to boost system development productivity by 30% by fiscal year 2027. This initiative involves deploying a specialized team of approximately 5,000 engineers acting as a Japanese version of FDEs to work closely with clients from planning through operation.

Japan AI Center has repositioned its business to focus on ‘AI consulting that completes implementation,’ utilizing FDEs to bridge the gap between AI design and practical, on-site application. Similarly, d-strategy,inc is releasing a book titled ‘Physical AI Evolution Theory’ to explore how Physical AI and multi-AI agents will transform industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

Other regional developments include the ‘Manufacturing AI Summit 2026 Autumn’ focusing on technical succession through AI, and the ‘DX Innovation Award 2026’ hosted by the Japan Omni-channel Association to recognize excellence in business and social transformation through digital technologies.