Japan plans sovereign AI model and 10 million AI robots by 2040

Economic Times, citing AFP, reports that Japan plans to develop a homegrown AI model through Noetra, a consortium involving SoftBank, Sony, and other firms, while targeting about 10 million AI-equipped robots by 2040. Reports say the government could provide up to one trillion yen over five years depending on results. The revised strategy emphasizes physical AI for fields such as restaurants, food manufacturing, medical work, factories, and services as Japan looks to address workforce gaps and reduce reliance on U.S. and Chinese AI systems.

Key details: Japan is targeting about 10 million AI-equipped robots by 2040, The Noetra consortium includes firms such as SoftBank and Sony, The government could provide up to one trillion yen over five years.

Why it matters: Japan is linking sovereign AI, robotics, and labor policy into one national strategy, a useful contrast to model-only AI plans.