Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (HYMH) and NTT DATA, a provider of AI, digital business, and technology services, have announced a breakthrough application of physical AI that embeds new 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.
Bringing this capability into practice introduces AI-driven quality assurance directly into HYMH's manufacturing operations. According to a spokesperson, this co-developed approach represents a first-of-its-kind use case of how physical AI can be applied in an industrial assembly environment by embedding intelligence into production workflows, helping to safeguard that products are built to consistently high standards.
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 assembly stages are completed, flagging deviations before the product moves to the next stage. By validating quality throughout the assembly process, the solution helps identify and address potential issues before products leave the factory floor.
This initiative demonstrates a step-change in how AI can be applied in manufacturing environments. Combined with edge computing, the solution can run locally so all processing happens on-site, enabling faster rollout and quicker time-to-value. According to the company, 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.
"Our confidence in physical AI continues to grow, and we are starting to see the countless benefits that AI can bring to our global manufacturing operations," said Barbara Binda, Director of Global Manufacturing Innovation, HYMH. "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."
"This deployment shows what physical AI looks like in real production environments, not as a concept, but with tangible impact on the factory floor," said Shahid Ahmed, Global Head of Edge Services, NTT DATA. "By combining real production data with physical AI models at the edge, we are helping leading manufacturers like HYMH deliver high quality products, support frontline workers and apply AI in ways that deliver real-world outcomes."
For more information contact:
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
1400 Sullivan Dr.
Greenville, NC 27834
252-931-51
www.hyster-yale.com
NTT DATA
7950 Legacy Drive
Plano, TX 75024
www.nttdata.com