Hitachi, Ltd. today announced that it will expand its work with OpenAI to accelerate AI-driven modernization and cybersecurity. The work combines OpenAI's frontier AI technology with Hitachi's domain expertise and know-how in supporting mission-critical systems and social infrastructure to accelerate AI transformation (AX) for customers and society . The expanded partnership builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in October 2025, which focused on applying OpenAI's frontier AI technology to Hitachi's Lumada data analytics and IoT platform .
Hitachi expands collaboration with OpenAI for AI-driven modernization and cybersecurity .
FDE teams will use OpenAI's Codex agent to analyze legacy system source code, starting with financial institutions .
Hitachi gains access to OpenAI's AI models for cybersecurity through the Trusted Access for Cyber (TAC) program .
Hitachi's Cyber CoE will act as "Customer Zero" to validate systems internally .
Insights will enhance HMAX, Hitachi's next-generation AI solution suite .
Hitachi operates approximately 15,000 systems supporting mission-critical social infrastructure in Japan alone .
Working together, the two companies' Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) teams will leverage OpenAI's AI agent "Codex" to analyze the source code of mission-critical legacy systems and work to establish an AI-driven modernization approach that supports safe migration through enhanced visibility into system design . Based on this approach, Hitachi aims to develop solutions to support the modernization of core systems and to roll them out sequentially across a wide range of industries, starting with financial institutions .
Hitachi also plans to gain access to OpenAI's AI models for cybersecurity through OpenAI's "Trusted Access for Cyber (TAC)" . As part of OpenAI's Japan Cyber Action Plan, this initiative aims to responsibly provide advanced AI capabilities to trusted defenders and help strengthen cyber resilience in Japan's critical sectors . Under OpenAI's Daybreak-based, defense-focused framework, Hitachi will explore the use of these models for legitimate defensive purposes, such as remediation and validation, with appropriate safeguards, governance, and human oversight . Through this initiative, Hitachi's Cyber CoE, its cybersecurity expert organization, will act as "Customer Zero," practicing these efforts internally to validate Hitachi-provided systems and applying the insights gained to further strengthen cybersecurity .
Hitachi will apply the insights gained through these initiatives to enhance its FDE capabilities in modernization and cybersecurity, while further enhancing HMAX by Hitachi ("HMAX"), its next-generation AI solution suite for social infrastructure .
Toshiaki Tokunaga, President & CEO of Hitachi, Ltd., stated: "Hitachi has long been engaged in developing systems that support mission-critical social infrastructure, with approximately 15,000 systems currently in operation in Japan alone. Modernizing legacy systems and enhancing security are critical management priorities for all enterprises seeking sustainable growth in the age of AI. We are proud to work with OpenAI to address these challenges and drive transformation toward safer and reliable social infrastructure. Hitachi will further deepen its collaboration with OpenAI by leveraging the expertise of both companies' FDEs to continuously enhance Lumada and HMAX, and accelerate AX for customers and society" .
Tadao Nagasaki, President of OpenAI Japan, Ltd., commented: "Our work with Hitachi is an important step toward enabling the safer and more practical use of AI in Japan's critical industries and social infrastructure. OpenAI is committed to developing and deploying safe and beneficial AI, guided by our mission to ensure that AI benefits everyone. Applying AI to legacy system modernization and defensive cybersecurity is essential to strengthening the business foundations of Japanese enterprises. Through this work, we will help create an environment where companies can use AI with confidence and create new value, while helping AI become a practical force that expands the potential of people and organizations and supports the society of the future" .
About HMAX & Lumada
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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 .
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