Kawasaki Heavy Industries opens Physical AI center in San Jose

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has established the ‘Kawasaki Physical AI Center San Jose’ in Silicon Valley to advance the social implementation of physical AI. The center aims to integrate AI with robotics to support human decision-making and action, focusing initially on medical and nursing care sectors. Through this hub, the company seeks to create a ‘one-stop solution’ for hospitals, covering everything from patient arrival to post-operative care.

To achieve this, Kawasaki is collaborating with major technology players, including NVIDIA for AI and robotics fusion, Microsoft for cloud and AI platforms, Analog Devices for audio and manipulation technology, and Fujitsu for healthcare value creation. The initiative will also expand into mobility, semiconductors, and industrial sectors using existing robotics such as the hinotori surgical robot and Nyokkey autonomous service robot.

In a parallel development, K&co Co., Ltd. has launched ‘PHYSICAL AI LAB,’ a platform dedicated to the social implementation of physical AI in Japan. The platform aims to improve industrial competitiveness by disseminating knowledge and training talent. Its activities include hosting conferences and producing a podcast to discuss technical trends, business integration, and the practical challenges of deploying AI-driven physical machines in manufacturing, logistics, and retail.