Intel is working with Hitachi to explore opportunities that advance physical AI, computing and digital infrastructure across manufacturing, energy, mobility and other critical industries.

Through the collaboration, the companies plan to combine Hitachi’s information technology (IT) expertise, deep operational technology (OT) and product manufacturing knowledge with Intel’s computing capabilities and silicon-based platforms to develop compute capabilities that help organisations modernise operations, improve efficiency and build more intelligent, resilient infrastructure.

The companies plan to work together across five pillars – foundry tools, quantum computing, energy optimisation, custom silicon and edge-AI applications, and factory automation – to create offerings and optimise existing processes.

In the area of foundry tools, Hitachi gathers high-precision data generated from its metrology systems, dimension scanning electron microscopes and etching systems on the integrated platform ExTope. Leveraging physical AI, Hitachi uses those data to enable predictive diagnostics and maintenance optimisation, contributing to improved yield, shorter time to market and enhanced quality in semiconductor manufacturing processes.

For quantum computing, the collaboration will strengthen co-development efforts between R&D teams of Hitachi and Intel, accelerating the advancement of quantum technologies and creating value.

The partnership also aims to focus on energy optimisation. Hitachi’s HMax Energy will be deployed within Intel’s fabs to provide managed services for core power equipment, while Intel plans to supply high-voltage silicon chips to improve Hitachi’s power systems. In addition, the two companies are exploring opportunities for collaboration in custom silicon, edge-AI applications and factory automation.

“Building on more than 40 years of trust with Intel, we are delighted to launch a comprehensive strategic collaboration,” said Toshiaki Tokunaga, CEO of Hitachi (www.hitachi.com). “As the emergence of physical AI brings a significant impact on our society, this collaboration will accelerate AI transformation across a wide range of industries that support social infrastructure. By combining Hitachi’s IT, OT and products with Intel’s advanced computing capabilities, we are well positioned to advance the deployment of AI in mission-critical social infrastructure worldwide. We will also create new value in frontier fields such as quantum computing.”

Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel (intel.com), added: “The coming wave of physical AI will transform the industrial edge of our economy through new advances in robotics, autonomous machines and other AI edge devices. By combining Intel’s advanced computing and AI capabilities with Hitachi’s deep OT expertise and world class IT capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to help industries capture the enormous opportunity represented by physical AI at industrial scale. Together, we will accelerate the deployment of intelligent, real-world systems and bring the benefits of AI to more businesses and industries around the world.”