Kawasaki Heavy Industries (TYO:7012) is partnering with Nvidia to develop robotics products integrating physical artificial intelligence, Nikkei Asia reported Friday.

Kawasaki's shares jumped more than 9% in morning trade in Tokyo on Friday.

The initial phase of the partnership will focus on applications within the medical and mobility sectors, the report said.

Nvidia's AI will be used to upgrade Kawasaki's wheeled medical support robots, while its simulation technology will also be applied to Kawasaki's four-legged mobility robot, Corleo, to improve control and environmental awareness, according to the report.

As part of the initiative, Kawasaki will open a joint development center in San Jose, California, where industrial robots will be used for demonstrations and co-development with U.S. companies, Nikkei said.

The company plans to locally hire AI engineers and other staff, aiming to expand the center's workforce to "dozens" within a few years, the report said.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries did not immediately respond to MTNewswire's request for comment.

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