NTT DATA, a global provider of AI, digital business and technology services, has partnered with Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc (HYMH) to deploy an artificial intelligence-powered manufacturing solution that embeds intelligence directly into production processes. The implementation marks a significant advancement in the application of physical AI within industrial manufacturing, enabling real-time quality assurance through sensor-driven insights and edge computing.
Developed jointly by the two companies, the solution has been deployed at HYMH’s manufacturing facility in Berea, Kentucky, where it integrates vision sensors, edge AI and advanced analytics into critical assembly operations. The system continuously analyses production activities, verifies that assembly steps have been completed correctly and confirms that all required components are installed before products move to the next stage of manufacturing.
The solution was developed by NTT DATA in collaboration with AI technology partner Archetype AI and customised to align with HYMH’s manufacturing processes. By processing data locally through edge computing, the platform enables immediate analysis and decision-making without relying on cloud-based infrastructure, allowing manufacturers to identify and resolve production issues in real time while maintaining operational continuity.
According to the companies, the deployment significantly reduces implementation timelines compared with conventional AI-based manufacturing systems. The use of physical AI enables faster deployment, rapid optimisation and quicker operational benefits, allowing manufacturers to scale intelligent production capabilities across facilities more efficiently.
Barbara Binda, Director of Global Manufacturing Innovation at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, said, “Physical AI is creating new opportunities to strengthen manufacturing operations by supporting production teams with real-time insights. Our collaboration with NTT DATA helps us maintain high quality standards while improving efficiency and delivering reliable products to customers.”
Shahid Ahmed, Global Head of Edge Services at NTT DATA, said, “This deployment demonstrates how physical AI can move beyond experimentation to deliver measurable value in live manufacturing environments. By combining edge computing with production data, manufacturers can improve quality, support frontline teams and accelerate the adoption of intelligent manufacturing.”
The initiative builds on the longstanding relationship between NTT DATA and Hyster-Yale, with both organisations continuing to explore the broader application of physical AI across manufacturing operations. As industries accelerate digital transformation and automation, the collaboration aims to demonstrate how AI-enabled production systems can improve quality, operational resilience and manufacturing efficiency while supporting consistent production outcomes at scale
NTT DATA is a global business and technology services leader with annual revenues exceeding $30 billion, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. The company helps organizations accelerate digital transformation through expertise in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, connectivity, data centers, and enterprise applications. With operations in more than 70 countries, NTT DATA combines consulting, industry-specific solutions, and a broad innovation ecosystem to deliver responsible, scalable, and sustainable digital outcomes. The company is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion annually in research and development.
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc is a global manufacturer of lift trucks, material handling equipment, and integrated technology and energy solutions. Its portfolio includes the Hyster®, Yale®, Nuvera®, and Maximal® brands, serving customers across a wide range of industries worldwide. Through its subsidiary, Bolzoni S.p.A., the company is also a leading global producer of material handling attachments, forks, masts, and lift tables, marketed under the Bolzoni®, Auramo®, and Meyer® brands.
