Government-backed artificial intelligence company Noetra has warned that Japan faces a critical moment in its efforts to secure technological independence, as the country seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities in AI and robotics amid intensifying global competition.
The company is developing a foundation model for physical artificial intelligence and robotics with support from the Japanese government and 44 corporate partners, including SoftBank, Honda, and Sony.
A ¥380 Billion AI Initiative
For its first year, Noetra has secured more than ¥380 billion (approximately US$2.33 billion) in government funding to support the project.
The initiative will be powered by approximately 27,500 Nvidia Rubin chips, forming the backbone of one of Japan’s largest AI computing platforms.
Construction of the AI infrastructure is scheduled to begin in April 2027, with operations expected to commence in June 2028.
“This May Be Our Last Chance”
Speaking in an interview, Noetra CEO Hironobu Tamba said the project represents a pivotal opportunity for Japan’s artificial intelligence sector.
“We have succeeded in bringing together the people working on artificial intelligence in Japan. To be honest, I think this may be our last chance,” Tamba said.
Tamba, who also serves as an executive at SoftBank, said Noetra intends to provide Japanese companies with a secure and trusted foundation model that allows them to retain control of their own data while accelerating AI adoption.
Strengthening Japan’s AI Sovereignty
Japan is seeking to reduce its dependence on foreign technology as the global artificial intelligence race accelerates, particularly between the United States and China.
While Japan remains the world’s leading producer of industrial robots, policymakers are increasingly focused on ensuring domestic access to advanced AI technologies and next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.
The government is also supporting projects such as Rapidus, the semiconductor foundry venture aiming to manufacture leading-edge chips domestically.
AI-Powered Robots at the Center of National Strategy
Japan has set an ambitious national objective of deploying 10 million AI-powered robots by 2040 across industries including manufacturing, shipbuilding, and healthcare.
Officials see robotics as a critical solution to labor shortages caused by Japan’s aging population while improving productivity across key sectors of the economy.
Why It Matters
Noetra represents one of Japan’s most ambitious efforts to build sovereign AI infrastructure at a time when nations are increasingly viewing artificial intelligence as a strategic asset. By combining government funding, private-sector investment, advanced computing infrastructure, and domestic foundation models, Japan is seeking to strengthen its technological independence while preserving its leadership in industrial robotics.
