NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (HYMH), the manufacturer of Hyster® and Yale® lift trucks, today announced a breakthrough application of physical AI that embeds intelligence directly into manufacturing processes. This approach leverages sensor data to enable machines and systems to perceive, understand and act in real time within real-world operations. The co-developed approach represents a first-of-its-kind use case of how physical AI can be applied in an industrial assembly environment.
NTT DATA and Hyster-Yale deploy physical AI for quality assurance in manufacturing.
Physical AI cuts deployment timelines from months to weeks vs. legacy techniques.
Integrated vision sensors, edge AI, and advanced analytics into assembly workflow.
Validates assembly activity against expected production steps in real time.
Edge computing enables on-site processing for faster rollout.
Archetype AI collaborated on physical AI model adaptation.
NTT DATA designed and developed the solution at HYMH's manufacturing facility in Berea, KY, integrating vision sensors, edge AI that processes data on-site and advanced analytics into a critical assembly workflow. Together with partner Archetype AI, NTT DATA, in collaboration with HYMH, adapted a physical AI model that analyzes assembly activity against expected production steps, validating that all parts are installed and that assembly stages are completed, flagging deviations before the product moves to the next stage.
Barbara Binda, Director of Global Manufacturing Innovation at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, stated: "Our confidence in physical AI continues to grow, and we're starting to see the countless benefits that AI can bring to our global manufacturing operations. Working with NTT DATA allows us to leverage how physical AI can help our production teams maintain high-quality standards and deliver the most reliable products to our clients."
Shahid Ahmed, Global Head of Edge Services at NTT DATA, Inc., stated: "This deployment shows what physical AI looks like in real production environments, not as a concept, but with tangible impact on the factory floor. By combining real production data with physical AI models at the edge, we're helping leading manufacturers like HYMH deliver high-quality products, support frontline workers and apply AI in ways that deliver real-world outcomes."
Early results showed that physical AI cuts deployment timelines from months to weeks when compared with legacy techniques, accelerating adoption and iteration across manufacturing operations. By validating quality throughout the assembly process, the solution helps identify and address potential issues before products leave the factory floor. Combined with edge computing, the solution can run locally so all processing happens on-site, enabling faster rollout and quicker time-to-value.
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. We have experts in more than 70 countries and are part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.
About Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., designs, engineers, manufactures, sells and services a comprehensive line of lift trucks, parts and technology and energy solutions marketed globally primarily under the Hyster®, Yale®, Nuvera® and Maximal® brand names.
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