The companies will work on systems capable of adjusting to variations in parts, positions and operating conditions during material handling, machine loading, assembly, production changeovers and intralogistics. These processes frequently require human judgment because conventional automation is normally programmed for fixed movements and tightly controlled environments.
Hitachi will contribute its Physical AI models, systems-integration capabilities and manufacturing operational technology. Agile Robots will supply its hardware portfolio and AgileCore software, which provides simulation, robot control and orchestration across multiple machines.
The partnership will also integrate Hitachi’s edge-AI semiconductors into Agile Robots platforms. Hitachi says the processors are designed to handle high-speed visual and tactile sensing workloads with lower power consumption.
Products developed through the collaboration are expected to be offered through Hitachi’s HMAX Industry portfolio and directly to Agile Robots customers. The companies said the longer-term program will cover coordinated factory operations involving multiple robots, machines and workers, rather than individual robot workstations. No deployment schedule, customer commitments or financial terms were disclosed.
