One signal

Physical AI may find its first big wins in existing equipment, not fleets of humanoid robots. Zafer Sahinoglu, Mitsubishi Electric U.S.’s vice-president of innovation, argues that sensors and AI could help spot machine faults early, find defects and adapt factory controls.

In a sponsored Wall Street Journal article, Sahinoglu gives the example of elevator servicing: better sensing could help identify the fault and the part needed before a technician arrives, potentially avoiding a costly second visit. It is a company executive’s case for the technology, not evidence that these gains are already widespread. But it puts the practical question in the right place: what can smarter machines improve without replacing the kit already on the factory floor?

Discuss: Should investment in physical AI go first towards making existing equipment smarter, or building new autonomous machines?

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