Japan is moving ahead with an ambitious plan to strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities by developing a domestic AI model and deploying around 10 million AI-integrated robots across more than 10 sectors before 2040.
The Japanese government is expected to invest up to 1,000 billion yen (approximately $6.1 billion) over the next five years to support the project, with funding tied to implementation progress. The initiative will be led by Noetra, an alliance that includes major corporations such as SoftBank and Sony.
The move comes as countries around the world accelerate efforts to build sovereign AI models in a bid to reduce reliance on technology developed in the United States and China.
Japanese media reported that Noetra’s membership is expected to expand to 44 companies, bringing together firms from the automotive, electronics, manufacturing, finance and logistics industries to drive the country’s AI ambitions.
The alliance will focus primarily on developing physical AI, which integrates artificial intelligence into real-world machines and environments rather than software-based systems. Applications include autonomous vehicles, industrial robots and humanoid robots designed for household tasks.
On July 1, the Japanese government also unveiled a revised national strategy for AI-powered robot development, outlining plans to significantly expand the use of robotics across key industries.
“This strategy aims to deploy about 10 million robots by 2040. At the same time, with the addition of the fields of restaurants, food processing and healthcare, we will strongly promote the application of robots on a social scale in 18 fields,” Japanese Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said.
He added that Japan will build and expand data infrastructure to serve physical AI and robots, promoting the inherent strengths of this country.
The expanded strategy reflects Japan’s efforts to address growing labour shortages caused by its aging and declining population, with robotics expected to play a crucial role in supporting the workforce.
The AI push follows the government’s announcement last month of a 14-year economic growth strategy aimed at mobilising 370,000 billion yen (around $2.3 trillion) in public and private investment across 17 strategic sectors. These include physical AI, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum technology and fusion energy.
Japan’s announcement comes as regional competition in AI intensifies. This week, South Korea also unveiled a record public-private investment plan worth hundreds of billions of dollars to accelerate the development of AI data centres and expand its semiconductor manufacturing industry in the years ahead.
