Sony Semiconductor Solutions and Mitsubishi Electric are joining forces to develop AI-powered vision sensors for factory automation, with a new joint venture set to begin operations in October 2026.
The new company, Advanced Vision Solutions Co., Ltd., will combine Sony’s image sensor and edge AI technologies with Mitsubishi Electric’s expertise in factory automation and control systems.
The companies plan to develop vision sensors capable of analysing visual data using AI directly on the image sensor. The aim is to move beyond simply capturing manufacturing data, connecting vision more closely with real-time decision-making and machine control.
The technology will target applications including automated production, quality improvement and predictive maintenance, while helping manufacturers reduce the need for manual intervention.
The partners also plan to combine vision data with other information generated across the factory. This multimodal approach could allow production systems to identify changes and early warning signs that may be difficult to detect using vision data alone.
Sony and Mitsubishi Electric say the collaboration will support the wider deployment of physical AI in factory automation, including solutions designed to be used without specialist expertise in optics or AI.
Advanced Vision Solutions will be owned 60% by Mitsubishi Electric and 40% by Sony Semiconductor Solutions and is scheduled to begin operations in October, subject to the necessary approvals.
Source: Sony Semiconductor Solutions / Mitsubishi Electric
