Hitachi and Mitsubishi Chemical Begin Joint Testing of AI Agent for Plant Equipment Management

Hitachi and Mitsubishi Chemical Collaborate on AI-Driven Solutions for Equipment Management

In a significant move towards digital transformation in the manufacturing sector, Hitachi and Mitsubishi Chemical have commenced a joint verification project aimed at utilizing AI technology to enhance equipment management processes within chemical plants. Starting in December 2025 at Mitsubishi Chemical’s Tokai plant in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, the two companies are leveraging Hitachi’s advanced AI Agent technology, branded as “HMAX Industry”, to assist in troubleshooting and diagnosing plant equipment failures.

Overview of the Joint Verification Project

The verification process will integrate Hitachi’s Lumada platform—an advanced digital solution designed to harness customer data for increased operational value—into the traditionally labor-intensive equipment management tasks at Mitsubishi Chemical. The AI Agent will provide troubleshooting assistance by identifying the root causes of equipment failures and recommending appropriate countermeasures. This innovative initiative will mark the first adaptation of Hitachi’s AI systems within the process industry, following successful trials in the discrete manufacturing sector.

The AI Agent is designed to operate with a level of speed and accuracy that equals or surpasses that of seasoned equipment management technicians—particularly in environments that deal with high temperatures, high pressure, and hazardous materials. By ensuring that the AI Agent can replicate human expertise, both companies aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of equipment diagnostics.

Combining Expertise and Data

In this collaboration, Hitachi’s Connective Industries Sector will integrate Mitsubishi Chemical's wealth of operational data with Hitachi's domain knowledge and cutting-edge AI capabilities. The objective is to support Mitsubishi Chemical in its ongoing smart plant initiatives, thereby transforming the work environment for frontline employees. Furthermore, Hitachi is looking to horizontally expand “HMAX Industry” into growth sectors through the Integrated Industry Automation program, which aims to promote higher automation and autonomy in manufacturing processes, addressing issues such as labor shortages and improving productivity and quality within the industry.

The operational mechanism of the AI Agent involves converting Mitsubishi Chemical’s accumulated production data—including P&ID diagrams and equipment blueprints—into a format that can be readily analyzed by AI technologies. This data transformation will enable the AI to learn from various operational data sources, allowing it to perform fault diagnosis on par with Mitsubishi Chemical’s skilled technicians. In doing so, the initiative seeks to convert tacit knowledge from human technicians into formal organizational knowledge, supporting quality assurance and the transmission of expertise across personnel.

Future Prospects

Following the joint verification, Hitachi will explore the possibility of deploying this AI Agent across Mitsubishi Chemical’s domestic and international production sites, aimed at optimizing and enhancing essential operational tasks such as equipment management and safety monitoring. Additionally, Hitachi is committed to the development of specialized AI Agents tailored to distinct functionalities within the plant’s operations. Through the evolution of multiple interconnected AI Agents, the companies intend to advance integrated decision-making support systems that align with Mitsubishi Chemical's vision for smart plant operations.

Conclusion

By merging advanced AI solutions with extensive domain expertise, Hitachi and Mitsubishi Chemical are setting a precedent in the application of digital technologies in equipment management within the chemical sector. This partnership not only demonstrates the potential for improving operational efficiencies but also underscores the critical role of AI in navigating the complexities of modern manufacturing challenges. As both companies continue to innovate collaboratively, they aim to redefine equipment management and propel the manufacturing industry into a more technologically advanced era.

Related Information

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About Hitachi

Hitachi is committed to contributing to a harmonized society incorporating environmental sustainability, prosperity, and economic growth through innovations in IT, operational technology (OT), and product solutions. With a global presence and a focus on creating value through data, Hitachi provides solutions across various sectors, including energy, mobility, and connective industries. For more information, visit Hitachi.