Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Physical AI: NTT DATA and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Collaboration
NTT DATA and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling have collaborated to introduce a groundbreaking physical AI solution in manufacturing processes. This innovative approach integrates intelligence directly into manufacturing operations by leveraging sensor data to enable machines and systems to perceive, understand, and act in real time within real-world operations. The application of physical AI in manufacturing introduces AI-driven quality assurance directly into the production workflows, ensuring products are built to consistently high standards.
The solution, developed by NTT DATA at HYMH’s manufacturing facility in Berea, KY, integrates vision sensors, edge AI, and advanced analytics into a critical assembly workflow. By analyzing assembly activity against expected production steps, the physical AI model validates that all parts are installed correctly and that assembly stages are completed, flagging any deviations before the product progresses to the next stage. This real-time quality validation throughout the assembly process helps identify and address potential issues before products leave the factory floor.
The deployment of physical AI in manufacturing environments represents a significant advancement in how AI can be applied in industrial settings. By combining edge computing with physical AI, the solution can run locally, enabling faster rollout and quicker time-to-value. Early results have shown that physical AI significantly reduces deployment timelines, accelerating adoption and iteration across manufacturing operations.
Barbara Binda, Director of Global Manufacturing Innovation at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, expressed confidence in physical AI and highlighted the benefits it brings to global manufacturing operations. Working with NTT DATA allows HYMH to leverage physical AI to help production teams maintain high-quality standards and deliver reliable products to clients. Shahid Ahmed, Global Head of Edge Services at NTT DATA, emphasized the tangible impact of physical AI on the factory floor, showcasing real-world outcomes of applying AI in production environments.
As automation in manufacturing accelerates, there is a growing demand for physical AI solutions that can operate safely in complex environments, driving efficiency, quality, and resilience. NTT DATA is well-positioned to deliver this capability at scale, combining industry expertise with end-to-end services to integrate AI across IT and operational technology environments, enabling intelligent, data-driven operations. The collaboration between NTT DATA and HYMH aims to advance adaptive and intelligent manufacturing processes and scale physical AI to drive repeatable, high-quality production outcomes.
NTT DATA is a global leader in AI, digital business, and technology services, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. Committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation, NTT DATA offers unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers, and application services. With experts in more than 70 countries and a robust ecosystem of innovation centers and partners, NTT DATA is dedicated to helping organizations and society confidently transition into the digital future.
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., a subsidiary of Hyster-Yale, Inc. (NYSE: HY), designs, engineers, manufactures, sells, and services a comprehensive line of lift trucks, parts, technology, and energy solutions under the Hyster®, Yale®, Nuvera®, and Maximal® brand names. The company's subsidiary, Bolzoni S.p.A., is a leading global producer of attachments, forks, masts, and lift tables marketed under the Bolzoni®, Auramo®, and Meyer® brand names. The collaboration between NTT DATA and HYMH aims to drive innovation in manufacturing processes and explore the scalability of physical AI to achieve high-quality production outcomes.