Mitsubishi Electric and Chiba Institute of Technology Sign Basic Agreement on R&D of Domestic Physical AI

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and the Chiba Institute of Technology have concluded a basic agreement on the research and development of domestic Physical AI technology intended for dual public and private use. Based on this agreement, the two parties will establish a co-creation center to promote the commercialization of 'AI Robotics Solutions' utilizing a wide variety of autonomous robots, such as multi-legged, humanoid, and drone types. The agreement is scheduled to last for three years until April 2029.

In recent years, automation using AI and robots has progressed at manufacturing and infrastructure maintenance sites. However, tasks requiring delicate movements in response to surrounding environmental conditions remain difficult to automate. To address this, Physical AI, which enables real-time, appropriate control based on real-world situations, is expected to serve as a key foundation technology for realizing autonomous robots that can handle tools and equipment like skilled workers.

Mitsubishi Electric possesses extensive manufacturing knowledge, maintenance and inspection expertise, and motion control technology cultivated through product development such as its 'MELFA ASSISTA®' collaborative robots. Meanwhile, the Chiba Institute of Technology's Future Robotics Technology Research Center possesses large-scale physical modeling technology capable of realizing movement abilities that respond reflectively and flexibly to situations, and it is engaged in the R&D of robots capable of advanced tasks in real-world environments.

Based on this agreement, the two parties will combine their technologies and knowledge to promote the development of domestic Physical AI technology. By utilizing this technology in both public and private sectors, they aim to solve social issues such as labor shortages and aging infrastructure, while targeting future applications in disaster response and logistics.