Nvidia chief Jensen Huang seals Japan robotics push after ‘yakitori summit’

Jensen Huang, chief executive of US artificial intelligence chipmaker Nvidia, held a “yakitori summit” with Japanese executives from semiconductor materials and components companies while visiting Tokyo – a move appeared aimed at strengthening cooperation with local businesses.According to the Nikkei, Huang headed to a yakitori restaurant near Kanda Station in Tokyo, an izakaya specialising in grilled pork skewers and sake, on Wednesday. Located near Tokyo Station, the area is a popular after-work dining spot among Japanese office workers.After stepping out of his car, Huang reportedly walked down a roughly 20-metre (66-foot) long alley before entering the restaurant, where the waiting guests greeted him with applause.The CEO reportedly proposed a toast immediately afterwards.Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang hands out bread to journalists in front of a restaurant during a dinner in Tokyo on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters“Executives from major Japanese materials companies are believed to have attended the gathering, where they deepened their ties with Huang,” the Nikkei reported.Huang has shown his personable side by dining with business partners at local restaurants during his recent visits to other countries.During a visit to South Korea last October, he enjoyed fried chicken and beer with Samsung Electronics executive chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Chung Eui-sun.The CEO displayed his fondness for fried chicken once again last month, when he visited a chicken restaurant with SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won, LG Group chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Naver chairman Lee Hae-jin.Jensen Huang speaks to reporters before a dinner with the leaders of Samsung, SK, LG and Naver at a barbecue restaurant in Seoul’s Hongdae area on June 5. Photo: The Korea TimesThe Nikkei noted that showing close ties with each country has become a customary part of Huang’s overseas visits.This is his first visit to Japan in nine months, following a previous trip in October last year.Smart robotsHuang’s “yakitori summit” was a prelude to announcements on Nvidia’s investment plans in Japan.Further ReadingOn Thursday, Japanese communications company Fujitsu said it was leading a major AI push using Nvidia’s technology, bringing together what it said was the best in the country’s manufacturing prowess in robotics with AI.The technology area known as “physical AI” refers to smart, futuristic robots that can think on their own, not just follow programmed directions, to work safely alongside people in factories, homes and hospitals.The initiative was announced in Tokyo by Huang and Fujitsu chief executive Takahito Tokita, along with the CEOs of Japan’s top makers of industrial robots, Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.