TOKYO, June 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has been recognized as a Specialist in the Gartner® report "Emerging Market Quadrant for Physical AI Services – Established Vendors."

Access the Gartner report (for subscribers only):
Emerging Market Quadrant for Physical AI Services — Established Vendors

About the Report

Physical AI services (PAIS) address the complex challenge of designing, developing, deploying and managing AI-enabled physical systems — such as mobile robots, autonomous vehicles, ships and drones — in real-world environments. Enterprise technology buyers should use this research to evaluate service providers’ PAIS offerings.

About NEC’s AI

NEC has a long history of AI research and development, creating a wide range of technologies that help address business and social needs. For example, NEC pioneered the development of a proprietary world model (*1) capable of predicting human movement and psychological states. Leveraging this technology, in March 2026, NEC announced a first-of-its-kind physical AI system that quantitatively estimates levels of human anxiety and proactively controls robots to avoid increasing user stress (*2).

Going forward, NEC will continue to promote the safe and secure implementation of AI by combining these advanced technologies with expertise rooted in specific industries and business operations.
Reference URL: NEC's AI Business : AI | NEC

Under its value creation model, "NEC BluStellar" (*3), NEC leverages cross-industry expertise and cutting-edge technologies to transform business models and help solve both social challenges and customer management issues. In AI—one of NEC BluStellar’s core technologies—NEC offers services centered on "cotomi," the company’s proprietary AI technology. Going forward, NEC will continue creating added value through the expansion of services and functionalities while helping customers address their challenges through secure, safe, and trustworthy AI services.

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Gartner®, Emerging Market Quadrant for Physical AI Services — Established Vendors, Katie, Jonathan Davenport, Eric Goodness, Arjun Boparai, Christian Stephan, 8 June 2026

GARTNER is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates.

Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

(*1)Robot motion learning technology applying world models (Featured Technologies | NEC)AI technology for robotics enables environment-adaptive precision motion

(*2)NEC Develops Physical AI That Anticipates Human Movement and Psychological States (March 12, 2026) (News Room | NEC)

(*3)

"NEC BluStellar" is a value creation model that leads customers into a brighter future by realizing business model innovation and solving social issues and customer management issues. This is accomplished through advanced cross-industry knowledge backed by proven results and NEC's cutting-edge technology honed through years of development and operation.
https://group.nec/jp/en/solutions/nec-blustellar/

About NEC

The NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.

For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. 

Osaka, Japan, June 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Hon Hai Technology Group (Head office: New Taipei City, Taiwan; Chairman: Young Liu; hereinafter "Foxconn") and Sharp Corporation (Head office: Osaka, Japan; President and CEO: Tetsuji Kawamura; hereinafter "Sharp") have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic collaboration today, June 24, 2026. Through the establishment of a collaboration framework and communication structure, the two companies will combine Foxconn's technologies based on its "3+3+3" strategy (*1), as well as its global manufacturing capabilities, supply chain, and platform for creating new businesses, with Sharp's globally recognized brand, market channels, and service network. By jointly examining collaboration models for research and development and commercialization, the companies aim to expand market opportunities and accelerate the creation of new businesses.

This MoU covers areas including AI infrastructure and solutions, energy and ESG-related applications, robotics and smart automation systems, next-generation communications technologies, and smart cities. It promotes the joint development of innovative products and services tailored to market needs.

As a first step, the two companies will begin examining the establishment of a research and development platform. Leveraging technologies that Foxconn focuses on as key growth areas under its "3+3+3" strategy, such as AI, energy, robotics, EVs (electric vehicles), and next-generation communications, the companies will promote joint research and development, PoC (*2), and market deployment to strengthen their respective competitiveness.

In addition, the companies will work on building a business development platform. This platform will serve as a vital foundation for commercialization and implementation. By combining Foxconn's manufacturing capabilities, supply chain, and global partner network with Sharp's brand and market advantages, the companies aim to jointly explore new business domains in global markets including Japan, and accelerate business expansion.

One example of this initiative is AI infrastructure, which has been attracting significant attention in recent years. In the AI server business, where Sharp has announced its market entry, the companies will consider deploying AI server-related products and solutions under the Sharp brand. By providing end-to-end services from implementation support to product supply, operation, and maintenance, they aim to respond to rapidly growing demand for high-performance computing and AI applications.

Comment by Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn:"As an important affiliated company of the Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), Sharp possesses strong brand value and a solid market foundation. Through this collaboration framework, we look forward to creating synergies between our organizations and developing new business models in growth sectors such as AI, energy, and robotics, further enhancing Sharp's corporate value and the overall competitiveness of the Foxconn Group."

Comment by Tetsuji Kawamura, President and CEO of Sharp Corporation:"Sharp has a strong brand presence deeply rooted in global markets including Japan, along with a solid customer base. We expect that this collaboration will enable us to jointly promote the launch of new businesses and drive further growth by combining Sharp's strengths with Foxconn's capabilities in research and development and global supply chains."

Going forward, the two companies will carefully examine collaboration opportunities across various areas while closely monitoring market needs and industry trends. Through a phased approach to implementation, Foxconn and Sharp aim to create long-term value together.

*1 Foxconn's "3+3+3" strategy combines three business sectors, EVs, digital health, and robotics, with three core technologies, AI, semiconductors, and next-generation communications, aiming to build three platforms: smart manufacturing, smart EV, and smart cities.
*2 PoC (Proof of Concept): Verification activities conducted to confirm the feasibility of new ideas or services.

TOKYO, Japan, June 10, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Bosch Home Comfort Group, the HVAC *1 business unit of Robert Bosch GmbH (“Bosch”) and Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501, “Hitachi”), Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. (“Hitachi GLS”) have agreed to collaborate on "HMAX for Buildings" - a suite of building management solutions that combine Bosch’s and Hitachi's domain knowledge in commercial HVAC with advanced AI. This collaboration aims to accelerate global expansion by maximizing the lifetime value of equipment in mission-critical facilities that require continuous operation, such as office buildings, commercial complexes, universities, hospitals, and factories.

In recent years, the building management environment has faced complex and sophisticated challenges. These include labor shortages driven by a shrinking workforce, the need for decarbonization amid global boiling, and rising energy costs, alongside growing demands for operational efficiency due to the increasing sophistication and complexity of facility management tasks. Furthermore, the focus has shifted beyond initial equipment installation costs to maximizing the lifetime value of assets, including their operation and maintenance. To address these challenges, initiatives aimed at optimizing operations and achieving energy savings through the utilization of equipment data have become increasingly vital.

Therefore, through the collaboration between the Bosch Home Comfort Group and the Hitachi Group, we aim to maximize the value delivered to our customers and expand our business globally by connecting HVAC equipment with digital services. Specifically, by integrating Bosch Home Comfort Group's HVAC equipment management and visualization solution, "air Cloud Pro," with Hitachi Group's "exiida" (an HVAC IoT solution under "BuilMirai" that is "HMAX for Buildings"), Bosch Home Comfort Group's HVAC systems will connect to "BuilMirai". This will enable advanced, integrated operation and management of building facilities, including remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy management. Through these capabilities, we will contribute to maximizing asset lifetime value by optimizing facility maintenance costs, minimizing downtime, and reducing energy expenses.

As part of this collaboration, the companies will proceed with verifying effectiveness through trials, while deepening their partnership to sophisticated services. 

*1 HVAC: Abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. 

At Hitachi GLS, which belongs to the Urban Solutions & Services Business Unit Group of Hitachi’s Connective Industries (CI) Sector, we provide facility services that maximize lifetime value for customers and transform industries globally, contributing to a prosperous society. We achieve this through the combination of strong products and HMAX for Buildings, a next generation suite of solutions that combine data from an extensive installed base of digitalized assets with domain knowledge and advanced AI.

Bosch Home Comfort Group

The Bosch Home Comfort Group is a global provider of efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions with an innovative product portfolio adapted to regional needs. Following its landmark strategic acquisition in the residential and light commercial HVAC business in August 2025, the company unites a comprehensive portfolio of global and regional brands, including Bosch, Buderus, Hitachi, and YORK®. The Bosch Home Comfort Group employs 24,000 people worldwide and has a strong market presence in the Americas, Asia, and Europe / Middle East / Africa, with an international production development network at more than 50 locations. The Bosch Home Comfort Group generated sales of around 4.4 billion euros in 2025 (excluding the newly acquired units).

Trademarks: All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com. 

About Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi GLS is responsible for sale of (and provision of engineering and maintenance services for) home appliances, air conditioning equipment and other equipment and devices; and provision of products and solutions utilizing digital technologies. Based on the idea of "More smiles to life for one and all. A more comfortable tomorrow for people and society. With innovations that deliver happiness to the world, we open new doors to the future.", we seek to gain a closer understanding of customer lifestyles. By resolving individual customer lifestyle issues, through well-designed and sophisticated products and services utilizing of the Hitachi Group's value chain and digital technologies, we aspire to be a company that contributes to improving the quality of life for customers around the world. https://corp.hitachi-gls.co.jp/en 

News Highlights:

• Stable communications for robotic agricultural machinery supporting future farming operations were achieved within and between fields in mountainous areas by combining mobile and satellite communications.
• Continuous video transmission for remote operation and remote monitoring was achieved by compressing video according to available bandwidth while maintaining image quality in areas critical for vehicle operation.
• By leveraging the demonstrated technologies, the practicality of communications and video transmission for remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery will be enhanced, contributing to the future realization of fully autonomous operations. Efforts will also continue toward social implementation of data-driven agriculture both in Japan and internationally, with the aim of achieving sustainable agriculture.

TOKYO, Japan, May 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Akira Shimada; hereinafter “NTT”), Kubota Corporation (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka; President and Representative Director, CEO: Shingo Hanada; hereinafter “Kubota”), and NTT DOCOMO, INC. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoshiaki Maeda; hereinafter “DOCOMO”), conducted a joint demonstration experiment (hereinafter, “the demonstration”) to stabilize communications and ensure continuous video transmission for the remote operation and remote monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery in mountainous areas. In the demonstration, optimal control was applied to video transmission required for robotic agricultural machinery operation by combining mobile and satellite communications, together with video control technology. As a result, visibility of transmitted video was maintained even under fluctuating communication conditions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology as a communications infrastructure supporting remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery.

This technology is scheduled to be exhibited by NTT at Tsukuba Forum 2026*1, to be held from May 27-28, 2026.

Background

Achieving sustainable agriculture in the years ahead requires the promotion of automated farming operations to address labor shortages, as well as efficient farm management utilizing data. In Japan, the government is also advancing institutional development toward regulatory reform that would allow robotic agricultural machinery to operate on public roads under conditions ensuring safety through remote monitoring.

To date, NTT and Kubota have engaged in research, development, and service creation utilizing ICT to support innovation for agricultural producers, including visualization of farm management, improved operational efficiency and automation, and the realization of high-quality agriculture.*2

However, in hilly and mountainous regions, which account for approximately 40% of Japan's cultivated land area, fluctuations in mobile communication quality are likely to occur due to terrain and physical obstructions. As a result, delays and disconnections may occur in communications for robotic agricultural machinery operating within and between fields. Since unstable communications directly affect safety in the remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery, stable transmission of required video and data remains a key challenge for practical implementation.

Details of the Initiative

In the demonstration, multipath control using multiple mobile and satellite communication links was applied according to communication conditions. This confirmed that stable communications could be maintained by supplementing mobile communication links with satellite communication links in areas such as mountainous farmland, where mobile network quality tends to deteriorate within and between fields.

In addition, video control technology was applied to automatically adjust video compression according to communication conditions while prioritizing image quality in critical areas, such as the travel path and crops visible in the video feed. This enabled both stable video transmission and sufficient visibility during remote operation and monitoring.

Figure 1. Future vision for communication and video control in the remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery

Key Technologies

1) Technology combining mobile and satellite communication linksOptimal control combining mobile and satellite communication links was achieved through multi-link control technology based on the communication quality of each link. By enabling mobile and satellite communication links to complement each other, stable communications can be maintained even in mountainous areas.

2) Video control technology that compresses video while preserving quality in critical areasBased on predicted communication bandwidth, stable video transmission was achieved by maintaining video quality in critical areas, such as the travel path of robotic agricultural machinery, while compressing video data in non-critical areas.

Figure 2. Experimental configuration

Roles of Each Company

- NTT
Provision of the “Cradio,” a wireless quality prediction technology and the “Cooperative Infrastructure Platform,” a multi-link optimal control technology based on quality prediction, as well as implementation of the demonstration
- Kubota
Provision of robotic agricultural machinery and the demonstration field
- DOCOMO
Provision of video control technology that preserves image quality in critical areas while compressing data outside those areas in coordination with wireless quality prediction technology

Future Outlook

The technologies for communication stabilization and visibility enhancement demonstrated in this project will be leveraged to improve the practicality of communications and video transmission for the remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery, contributing to the future realization of fully autonomous operations. Efforts will also continue toward the social implementation of data-driven agriculture both in Japan and internationally, with the aim of achieving sustainable agriculture.

In addition, NTT will continue promoting solutions to social challenges through the use of satellite technologies under the NTT C89*3 brand.

*1 Tsukuba Forum 2026
URL: https://www.rd.ntt/e/as/tforum/
*2 June 7, 2016
“Kubota, NTT and NTT Communications to Develop ICT Solutions for Agriculture and Water Infrastructure”
URL: https://group.ntt/en/newsrelease/2016/06/07/160607a.html
*3 NTT C89 is a trademark of NTT, Inc. The name is an abbreviation of NTT CONSTELLATION 89 PROJECT and represents initiatives aimed at expanding space-related businesses and contributing to the development of the overall space industry through the provision of solutions to social challenges. URL: https://group.ntt/en/aerospace/

About NTT

NTT is a leading global technology innovator, providing a broad range of services to both consumers and businesses. As a mobile operator and provider of infrastructure, networks, and services, NTT is dedicated to promoting a sustainable future through cutting-edge innovations. Our portfolio includes business consulting, AI-powered solutions, application services, global networks, cybersecurity, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. Generating over $90 billion in revenue and employing 340,000 professionals, we allocate 30% of our annual profits to fundamental research and development. With operations spanning more than 70 countries and regions, our clients include over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, alongside thousands of enterprises, government organizations, and millions of consumers.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 93 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies.

Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/

BRISBANE, AUS, May 21, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Energy has successfully delivered and is now supporting the Ulinda Park battery energy storage system (BESS) in Queensland, Australia, through the supply of power converters and a new HMAX Energy(*1) service agreement. Developed and operated by Akaysha Energy(*2), the 155 megawatt (MW) / 298 MWh project is designed to support grid stability, firm renewable generation, and participate in Australia’s National Electricity Market(NEM), including Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS).

(*1) About HMAX Energy
(*2) About Akaysha Energy

The coming decades will place new demands on the global electricity system, as power becomes the foundation for economic growth, AI, digitalization, and the clean energy transition. As Australia’s grid evolves to integrate renewable energy at scale, maintaining long-term reliability has become a key constraint on system growth. 

Located in Queensland’s Western Downs region, Ulinda Park operates in one of Australia’s most demanding electricity environments. As the energy system becomes more dynamic and decentralized, maintaining availability, fast response, and regulatory compliance throughout the full lifecycle is critical.

With proven expertise gained from some of the world's most challenging BESS deployments, Hitachi Energy first delivered a complete technical solution for Ulinda Park: power conversion, control technology, factory testing, commissioning, and regulatory integration support required to enable successful entry into the NEM.

To sustain performance and reliability, Akaysha Energy entered into a 20-year long-term service agreement (LTSA) with Hitachi Energy. Delivered as part of the HMAX Energy suite, including IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity across assets, the agreement future-proofs Ulinda Park into a software-enabled, performance-managed system that contributes to the stability and reliability of Queensland’s electricity system.

Through these type of service agreements, Hitachi Energy enables customers to plan, predict, and prevent operational disruptions by combining long-term planning with continuous monitoring, predictive insights, and preventive maintenance, supported by 24/7 remote and on-site expertise. As AI becomes more integrated with physical assets, it also becomes part of the service offering.

The agreement also establishes clear accountability for performance and availability across the full asset lifecycle. AI-enabled support solutions strengthen the ability to predict potential issues before they occur, helping to ensure reliable market participation and regulatory compliance, while maintaining the safe and stable operation of one of Queensland’s largest battery energy storage systems.

“As Australia accelerates renewables integration, reliability, predictability, and scale become critical differentiators for power conversion solutions. The country’s energy profile and mix of resources uniquely demonstrates what a digitally-enabled, distributed grid can achieve. Hitachi Energy is proud to play a key role in Ulinda Park operations so the assets can operate safely, meet market and regulatory demands, and deliver the fast response for now and for the future,” added Massimo Danieli, CEO, Grid Automation, Hitachi Energy.

“The future energy system will be built on asset intelligence,” said Wolf Mueller, CEO, Service, Hitachi Energy. “Battery storage projects like Ulinda Park show the powerful combination of deep technology expertise, advanced digital skills and long-term service partnerships - supporting customers throughout the lifecycle of their assets.”

“Ulinda Park is now delivering fast frequency response and energy shifting in the National Electricity Market, improving system stability and giving us the flexibility to respond to market signals,” said Feri Hamori, Chief Operating Officer, Akaysha Energy. “With a standardized platform in place and a strong services solution, we are well-positioned to build on this performance as our footprint expands”.

What is HMAX Energy? The electrification of many industries and the rise of new power-intensive sectors are accelerating the need to expand and modernize the power grid. In most countries, the grid infrastructure has already exceeded its expected lifetime and was not designed to meet today’s demands. Increasing the availability and extending the lifetime of existing assets has never been more critical, making partnerships more important than ever.

HMAX Energy is Hitachi's AI-powered suite of services and solutions – designed to safeguard critical energy infrastructure while enabling operational efficiency. Delivered through trusted customer partnerships, HMAX Energy optimizes planning, prediction, and prevention – strengthening energy security and resilience. At its core, HMAX Energy enables asset intelligence - laying the foundation for a Physical AI future.

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global leader in electrification, powering the electricity era to meet the energy demands of today, and the next 25 years. As the energy arm of Hitachi Group, over three billion people depend on our pioneering, mission-critical technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century of innovation, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time: driving the evolution of the world’s energy system to ensure abundant, secure, affordable, and sustainable power for today’s generation and the next. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we are the grid ecosystem partner across the utility, industry, data center, and transportation sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 56,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $20 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://x.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.