thyssenkrupp AG and GlobalLogic Inc, a Hitachi Group Company, have announced a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating the adoption of Physical AI and autonomous robotics across global heavy industry operations, marking a major step in the digital transformation of industrial systems. The collaboration brings together thyssenkrupp’s industrial engineering expertise with Hitachi’s digital innovation ecosystem, creating a “Lab-to-Scale” framework designed to convert advanced research into deployable industrial solutions. The model integrates capabilities from Hitachi America R&D, design and digital strategy expertise from Method, a GlobalLogic company, and enterprise software engineering from GlobalLogic to enable seamless connection between operational data and AI-driven decision-making systems.
The alliance is intended to move beyond pilot-stage digitalisation and focus on scalable Physical AI solutions that convert industrial data into measurable operational outcomes. These applications are expected to improve workplace safety, increase operational efficiency and support faster execution of large-scale decarbonisation and energy transition projects.
A key component of the collaboration is the development of a unified data intelligence layer based on GlobalLogic’s Unified Data Layer architecture. This system will integrate operational technology data from industrial environments with enterprise IT systems, enabling real-time processing and semantic interpretation of complex industrial data.
The architecture is designed to support autonomous robotics and drone systems that can perform high-risk inspections and precision measurement tasks in hazardous production environments. These “Robocam” systems aim to reduce worker exposure to dangerous conditions while improving the quality and speed of industrial inspections.
The partnership will also focus on accelerating engineering workflows linked to decarbonisation projects. By digitising and structuring previously unstructured technical documentation, the alliance seeks to reduce delays in project execution, streamline engineering cycles and improve speed from quotation to project delivery in green energy initiatives.
Miguel López, Chief Executive Officer of thyssenkrupp AG and thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies, said the partnership strengthens the company’s ability to manage the complexity of industrial transformation. “This collaboration ensures access to advanced digital capabilities at a critical time in our transformation journey. Integrating Physical AI allows us to translate complex engineering and administrative processes into actionable intelligence, accelerating our contribution to a sustainable industrial future,” he said.
Srini Shankar, President and Chief Executive Officer of GlobalLogic and Chief Executive Officer of Hitachi Digital Services, said the alliance represents a convergence of industrial expertise and advanced AI capabilities. “The combination of Physical AI, data intelligence and industrial engineering creates a powerful platform for transformation. Together with thyssenkrupp, we aim to deliver scalable solutions that redefine industrial operations and performance,” he said.
The initiative positions Physical AI as a core enabler of next-generation industrial systems, integrating sensing, decision-making and autonomous execution into real-world operations across heavy industry sectors. thyssenkrupp is a global industrial and technology group with more than 93,000 employees operating across 48 countries. In the 2024/25 financial year, the company reported revenue of around €33 billion. Its operations span five business segments—Automotive Technology, Decarbon Technologies, Materials Services, Steel Europe and Marine Systems—serving customers across a wide range of industries worldwide.
Backed by deep engineering expertise and a strong culture of innovation, thyssenkrupp develops advanced technologies that address key global challenges, including climate protection, energy transition, digital transformation and future mobility. The company employs around 3,900 professionals in research and development, driving innovation through a portfolio of nearly 17,000 patents and utility models.
Sustainability remains a central focus for thyssenkrupp. The company is committed to ambitious climate goals by improving the energy efficiency of its own operations while developing technologies that help customers reduce emissions and accelerate their decarbonisation efforts. Through its products, solutions and engineering capabilities, thyssenkrupp continues to play a significant role in supporting the global transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.
