NVIDIA and SoftBank to Propel Japan into AI Leadership with Supercomputer Initiative
Rongchai Wang Nov 13, 2024 15:16
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and SoftBank's Masayoshi Son outlined plans to establish Japan as a leader in AI technology during the AI Summit in Tokyo.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son have unveiled a compelling vision for Japan's pivotal role in the burgeoning AI revolution. Speaking at the NVIDIA AI Summit in Tokyo, Huang emphasized the necessity for a new industrial revolution powered by AI, highlighting Japan's unique position to lead this transformative wave.
Japan's Unique Role in AI Development
Huang underscored the importance of AI infrastructure in global transformation, identifying two key types of AI: digital, represented by AI agents, and physical, represented by robotics. He noted that Japan is uniquely positioned to excel in both areas, leveraging its cultural and technological strengths.
“Every industry, every company, every country must produce a new industrial revolution,” Huang stated, pointing to AI as the catalyst for this global shift. He praised Japan's history of innovation and engineering excellence, asserting that Japan is ideally suited to lead the robotics AI revolution.
NVIDIA and SoftBank's AI Supercomputer Collaboration
A significant announcement at the summit was the collaboration between NVIDIA and SoftBank to construct Japan's most powerful AI supercomputer. Utilizing the NVIDIA Blackwell platform, SoftBank’s DGX SuperPOD aims to provide extensive computing capabilities to support sovereign AI initiatives, including large language models tailored for Japan.
SoftBank's Son emphasized the importance of this infrastructure, stating, “With your support, we are creating the largest AI data center here in Japan.” He highlighted the potential for this platform to enhance access to computing resources for researchers, students, and startups.
Additionally, SoftBank has successfully piloted the world's first combined AI and 5G network, AI-RAN, which allows AI and 5G workloads to run concurrently, presenting new opportunities for telecom providers.
Advancements in Robotics and AI Infrastructure
Huang highlighted the synergy between AI and robotics, noting that AI advancements have opened new possibilities across various industries. He encouraged Japan to leverage its expertise in mechatronics alongside the latest AI breakthroughs to seize this opportunity.
To bolster Japan's AI capabilities, NVIDIA is partnering with Japanese cloud leaders like GMO Internet Group and SAKURA Internet to develop a national AI infrastructure. Supported by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, this network will provide advanced AI resources to industries such as healthcare, automotive, and robotics.
Huang concluded, “This is the beginning of a new era… we can’t miss this time.”
For further details, visit the NVIDIA blog.
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