Hitachi expands Google Cloud alliance to deploy AI agents

Hitachi, Ltd. has enhanced its partnership with Google Cloud. This speeds up digital change for workers in areas like electricity, railways, and manufacturing. This partnership leverages AI to enhance productivity. It simplifies operations and reduces human error in key on-site tasks. Hitachi is working on AI agents for on-site operations.

They are using Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise. This multimodal AI can handle text, images, audio, and video all at once. By combining advanced AI technology with Hitachi’s decades of domain expertise and robust data governance, these AI agents can perform specific tasks with no coding required, helping frontline workers focus on high-value, creative work.

To support rapid development and deployment, Hitachi has established the Agent Factory, a dedicated environment for AI agent creation. This platform enables employees to design AI agents customized for operational workflows, while ensuring sensitive and complex field data is safely utilized. Hitachi’s U.S. subsidiary, GlobalLogic Inc., a launch partner for Gemini Enterprise, will further accelerate the adoption of AI technology through its expertise and global experience.

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Use Case: Power Sector Maintenance

Hitachi Power Solutions is checking the maintenance of vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) in power distribution facilities. AI agents check images taken before and after maintenance. They alert personnel to issues like misaligned bolts or wrong wiring. Hitachi aims to improve accuracy and reduce mistakes with AI-assisted verification. This will replace manual paper checklists and lessen the need for many inspectors. Future plans involve real-time video monitoring. This will help spot procedural deviations and create reports automatically. It will also share expertise and lighten the workload.

Driving AI Democratization and Operational Innovation

Through this alliance, Hitachi seeks to democratize AI agents, enabling frontline workers to independently develop solutions and continuously generate operational innovations. Insights gained from internal applications under the ‘Customer Zero’ approach will be offered to clients via HMAX solutions, supporting safer, more efficient, and sustainable operations across social infrastructure.