Nvidia and Fujitsu agree to work together on AI robots and other technology

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. counterpart / ˈkaʊn tərˌpɑrt / (n.) – someone or something that has the same job, purpose, or position in a different place, group, or organization
    Example:

    The American president spoke with his French counterpart last week.


  2. leverage / ˈlev ɚ ɪdʒ / (v.) – to use or take advantage of something to get a benefit
    Example:

    The company is leveraging new technology to make its products better and faster to produce.


  3. monetary / ˈmɑː nə ter i / (adj.) – relating to or about money
    Example:

    The country is facing serious monetary problems.


  4. speed up (something) / spiːd ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to make something happen faster
    Example:

    The management is focused on speeding up the delivery process.


  5. tackle / ˈtæk əl / (v.) – to try to deal with a difficult problem or task
    Example:

    The government plans to tackle the issue of rising food prices.


Article

Read the text below.

U.S. technology company Nvidia and Fujitsu, a Japanese telecommunications and computer maker, agreed to work together on artificial intelligence to deliver smart robots and a variety of other innovations using Nvidia’s computer chips.


“The AI industrial revolution has already begun. Building the infrastructure to power it is essential in Japan and around the world,” Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang said, hugging his Fujitsu counterpart Takahito Tokita on stage.


“Japan can lead the world in AI and robotics,” Huang told reporters at a Tokyo hotel.


The companies will work together on building what they call “an AI infrastructure,” or the system on which the various futuristic AI uses will be based, including healthcare, manufacturing, the environment, next-generation computing, and customer services. The hope is to establish that AI infrastructure for Japan by 2030.


It initially will be tailored for the Japanese market, leveraging Fujitsu’s decades-long experience here, but may later expand globally and will utilize Nvidia’s GPUs, or graphics processing units, which are essential for AI, according to both sides.


The two executives did not outline specific projects or give a monetary figure for planned investments. But exploring a collaboration in AI for robots with Yaskawa Electric Corp., a Japanese machinery and robot maker, was noted as a possible example. AI will be constantly evolving and learning, they said.


Fujitsu and Nvidia have been working together on AI, speeding up manufacturing with digital twins and robotics to tackle aging Japan’s labor shortages.


Tokita said the companies were taking a “humancentric” approach aimed at keeping Japan competitive.


“Through our collaboration with Nvidia, we aim to create new, unprecedented technologies and contribute to solving even more serious social issues,” said Tokita.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Fujitsu and Nvidia are building an “AI infrastructure” to support healthcare, manufacturing, and other fields by 2030. How do you think artificial intelligence could improve life in areas like healthcare or the environment (ex. faster disease diagnosis, predicting natural disasters)? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what dangers might come with depending too much on AI systems in daily life? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Fujitsu and Nvidia’s partnership combines Japanese experience and American technology. Why might global cooperation be important in the development of AI? What challenges could arise when companies from different cultures work together? Discuss.
  • Nvidia’s CEO said, “Japan can lead the world in AI and robotics.” In your opinion, should countries compete to be global leaders in AI, or work together on shared progress? Why do you say so? What risks might arise if only a few countries dominate AI development? Discuss.