Hitachi, Ltd. announced that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Intel Corporation to explore opportunities that advance physical AI, advanced computing, and next-generation digital infrastructure across manufacturing, energy, mobility and other critical industries. Through the collaboration, the companies plan to combine Hitachi's information technology (IT) expertise, deep operational technology (OT) and product manufacturing knowledge with Intel's advanced computing capabilities and silicon-based platforms to develop next-generation compute capabilities and industry solutions that help organizations modernize operations, improve efficiency, and build more intelligent, resilient infrastructure systems. The companies plan to work together across five strategic pillars?foundry tools, quantum computing, energy optimization, custom silicon and edge-AI applications, and factory automation?to create new solutions and optimize existing processes. In the area of foundry tools, Hitachi gathers high-precision data generated from its metrology systems, dimension scanning electron microscopes (CD-SEMs), as well as etching systems, on the integrated platform 'ExTOPE.'

Leveraging physical AI, Hitachi uses that data to enable predictive diagnostics and maintenance optimization, contributing to improved yield, shorter time to market, and enhanced quality in semiconductor manufacturing processes. For quantum computing, the collaboration will strengthen co-development efforts between R&D teams of Hitachi and Intel, accelerating the advancement of quantum technologies and creating new value. The partnership also aims to focus on energy optimization.

Hitachi's HMAX Energy will be deployed within Intel's fabs to provide managed services for core power equipment, while Intel plans to supply high-voltage silicon chips to further improve Hitachi's power systems. In addition, the two companies are exploring opportunities for collaboration in custom silicon, edge-AI applications and factory automation, leveraging their respective technologies.