Hitachi Turns to AI to Ease Labor Shortages
Hitachi is stepping up the use of digital technology, autonomous robots and physical AI to address Japan's growing labor shortage, showcasing systems designed to automate factory work and maintain critical infrastructure at one of the group's largest technology exhibitions. (News On Japan)
Hitachi is leveraging artificial intelligence, autonomous robots, and physical AI to tackle Japan's labor scarcity, demonstrating automated factory systems and infrastructure maintenance at its largest technology showcase. Hitachi President and CEO Toshiaki Tokunaga forecasts a 11 million worker shortfall by 2040. The company's Social Innovation Forum 2026 JAPAN exhibits over 50 cutting-edge technologies, including robotic arms with gripping capabilities and various autonomous transport robots.
Hitachi aims to innovate digital infrastructure as a form of social infrastructure to address labor challenges. One display simulates nuclear power plants, enabling safety assessments without worker visits. Another features robots with physical AI that manage cables and perform wiring tasks requiring precise physical control. Hitachi plans to integrate digital tech and physical AI to optimize factory operations traditionally shaped by human experience and mitigate labor shortages.
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