OMRON Invests in Noetra to Develop Japan-Originated AI Foundation Model

OMRON Corporation has invested in Noetra Corp., a move designed to strengthen Japan's position in industrial Artificial Intelligence. OMRON will participate in Noetra's project focused on "Research and Development of Physical AI Foundation Technologies for Real-World Native Applications," selected under Japan's NEDO program.

The project's objective is to develop a domestically created, multimodal AI foundation model. This model is intended for physical AI applications and robotics, with the capability to process diverse data like images, video, and sensor information. The development of such a model is critical for ensuring secure and effective AI utilization in industrial settings, particularly within manufacturing.

OMRON views its participation as a strategic investment to bolster its long-term competitiveness in AI foundation models. The company possesses extensive, high-quality operational data across its automation and healthcare businesses. OMRON believes these AI foundation models will be crucial for developing its data-driven service businesses.

By combining its real-world operational data and domain expertise with Noetra's foundation models, OMRON aims to build a unique AI platform. This platform is expected to enable solutions like predictive maintenance and autonomous operations, while also contributing to Japan's overall AI competitiveness.