Hitachi Ltd. (TSE: 6501) and Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) announced a strategic collaboration to advance physical AI, computing, and digital infrastructure across manufacturing, energy, and mobility sectors.

The partnership will focus on five areas: foundry tools, quantum computing, energy optimization, custom silicon and edge-AI applications, and factory automation. The companies plan to combine Hitachi's operational technology and manufacturing expertise with Intel's computing capabilities and silicon platforms.

For foundry tools, Hitachi will use data from its metrology systems and scanning electron microscopes on its ExTOPE platform to enable predictive diagnostics and maintenance optimization in semiconductor manufacturing. The quantum computing component involves co-development between the companies' research teams.

In energy optimization, Hitachi's HMAX Energy will provide managed services for core power equipment within Intel's fabrication facilities. Intel plans to supply high-voltage silicon chips to improve Hitachi's power systems.

"Building on more than 40 years of trust with Intel, we are delighted to launch a comprehensive strategic collaboration," said Toshiaki Tokunaga, President and CEO of Hitachi. "This collaboration will accelerate AI transformation across a wide range of industries that support social infrastructure."

"The coming wave of physical AI will transform the industrial edge of our economy through new advances in robotics, autonomous machines, and other AI edge devices," said Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel Corporation.

Hitachi reported revenues of 10,586.7 billion yen for fiscal year 2025, which ended March 31, 2026, according to the company statement.