Hyster-Yale Materials Handling (HYMH) says it has achieved a first-of-its-kind by embedding Physical AI into its manufacturing processes at its facility in Berea, Kentucky as a quality assurance tool.

Japanese-headquartered tech services provider NTT Data designed and developed the Physical AI solution, which leverages sensor data to enable machines and systems to perceive, understand and act in real time within real-world operations.

NTT Data, which worked with partner Archetype AI, adapted a physical AI model to analyse assembly activity against expected production steps, validating that all parts are installed and assembly stages are completed. It also flags 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,” NTT Data states.

“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 says the HYMH solution demonstrates “a step-change in how AI can be applied in manufacturing environments”. 

It adds that, combined with edge computing, the solution can run locally so all processing happens on-site, enabling faster rollout and quicker time-to-value. 

Early results show physical AI cuts deployment timelines from months to weeks when compared with legacy techniques, accelerating adoption and iteration across manufacturing operations, NTT Data adds.

Barbara Binda, director of global manufacturing innovation, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, says of the deployment: “Our confidence in physical AI continues to grow, and we’re starting to see the countless benefits that AI can bring to our global manufacturing operations”.

“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,” Binda adds.