Under the investment announced on July 22, Kobe Steel will support the research and development of a domestically developed multimodal foundation AI model in Japan. The model is designed to process multiple data types simultaneously, including images, videos, audio and sensor data. According to the companies, the technology will provide the foundation for Physical AI applications, enabling robots and industrial equipment to make autonomous decisions and operate in real-world environments.
Kobe Steel stated that the project is being developed under a national program led by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the government-backed New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The company noted that Japan is prioritizing the development of domestic technologies in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence amid growing concerns over data sovereignty and economic security.
Noetra's domestically developed multimodal AI model aims to establish Japan's own AI infrastructure at a time of intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence. Kobe Steel said the investment is intended to support the secure use of sensitive data on systems developed and managed within Japan.
The company expects Physical AI technology to improve efficiency across a wide range of its operations, particularly in equipment operation and manufacturing facilities. The KOBELCO Group, which operates in the steel, aluminum, welding, machinery and power generation sectors, considers the investment part of its KOBELCO-X transformation program under its medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2024-2026. The program aims to strengthen existing businesses, create new value and enhance the group's global competitiveness.
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