NVIDIA announced on July 16 that it is expanding its partnership with Toyota, with both companies utilizing NVIDIA’s accelerated computing, AI software, and simulation technologies to advance physical AI in the automotive and robotics sectors. Under the collaboration, Toyota will employ NVIDIA’s technologies to develop safer and smarter vehicles while optimizing automotive engineering workflows and factory operations. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang stated in a press release that physical AI represents the next frontier for AI development, describing Japan’s current opportunity as "a once-in-a-generation chance" to redefine manufacturing in the era of smart industries.
NVIDIA also unveiled several new products, including the Cosmos 3 Edge model, developed based on the NVIDIA Nemotron open AI model. This model features 4 billion parameters and is designed for robotics and vision AI agents, enabling real-time environmental understanding, reasoning, and generation of robotic action commands in edge computing environments. NVIDIA noted that Cosmos 3 Edge will help Japanese companies accelerate the deployment of intelligent machines across manufacturing, mobility, infrastructure, and robotics.
On the hardware front, NVIDIA launched the new Jetson Thor edge computing computers, powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture-driven T3000 and T2000 modules. These modules are tailored for mainstream robotics and edge AI applications and are expected to drive technological upgrades in industrial automation, autonomous driving, and smart cities for Japanese enterprises. Huang emphasized that physical AI not only enhances manufacturing efficiency but also promotes the adoption of robotics and automation technologies, ultimately transforming urban infrastructure and transportation systems.
NVIDIA stated that Japanese companies, startups, and research institutions are widely leveraging its technologies to advance open and agentic AI, physical AI, automotive, financial services, healthcare, quantum computing, and gaming. The adoption of NVIDIA Nemotron’s open models, datasets, and libraries is particularly prevalent, assisting institutions in accelerating the development of customized AI solutions tailored to Japan’s language, industries, and workforce needs. NVIDIA highlighted that Japanese physical AI companies have begun using the NVIDIA Cosmos and other platforms to expedite the deployment of intelligent machines in manufacturing, mobility, infrastructure, and robotics.
In the automotive sector, Toyota and NVIDIA’s collaboration will focus on utilizing AI simulation technologies to optimize vehicle design and factory operations. Both companies plan to enhance vehicle safety and intelligence through NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms while streamlining automotive engineering processes to reduce production costs. However, neither NVIDIA nor Toyota disclosed specific timelines, technical details, or expected outcomes of the collaboration, stating only that the expanded partnership will deliver long-term strategic value for both parties.
Huang noted in the press release that Japan, which once pioneered modern manufacturing, now has the opportunity to lead again in the era of smart industries. He added that the development of physical AI will bring new industrial opportunities to Japan and help establish an AI-driven smart ecosystem. NVIDIA’s strategic moves in Japan not only strengthen its collaboration with Toyota but also demonstrate its ambitions in the global physical AI market. According to a report by Central News Agency, the expansion of NVIDIA and Toyota’s partnership marks a deep alliance in smart manufacturing and automation.
