A Silicon Valley-born artificial intelligence startup is turning to Japan to prove AI can reshape one of the world¡¯s largest industrial robot supply chains.

Integral AI, a 5-year-old company founded by former Google researchers Jad Tarifi and Nima Asgharbeygi, develops AI models geared for automated systems such as robots and self-driving cars. The company has worked with auto parts maker Denso since 2021 to help teach industrial robots new skills by observing demonstrations.

The 15-person startup is holding initial discussions with Toyota, Sony Group, Honda, Nissan and Mitsui Chemicals to pitch them on how AI can advance manufacturing processes. The next step is for a human operator to give a robot a language prompt, like ¡°make a coffee,¡± and have the robot teach itself how to do so, Tarifi said.