Kawasaki Heavy Industries has inaugurated the Kawasaki Physical AI Center in San Jose, California, its first international hub dedicated to physical AI systems. The facility aims to accelerate development and commercialization of machine-embedded AI solutions through joint research and prototyping.

Nvidia will lead AI-robotics tool development for healthcare applications, while Microsoft provides cloud infrastructure and AI platforms. Fujitsu and Analog Devices will integrate business system connectivity, sensing technologies and voice recognition into prototype machines.

The initiative initially focuses on healthcare and eldercare to address aging populations and labor shortages. Kawasaki plans to expand physical AI applications into semiconductor manufacturing, automotive systems and new mobility solutions through collaborations with its Japanese units and a European center in Strasbourg.

By deepening Japan-U.S. semiconductor and AI ties, the partnership strengthens Kawasaki’s innovation ecosystem and broadens Nvidia's market for AI-driven hardware. Successful deployment in healthcare robotics could pave the way for wider industrial adoption of physical AI technologies.