Physical AI Brings New Promise but Raises Hacking Risks

Sep 09, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Expectations are growing for the wider use of "physical AI" robots, but concerns over hacking, breakdowns and maintenance are prompting companies to develop new security and support systems as the technology moves closer to everyday use.

A demonstration involving a dog-shaped physical AI robot showed the potential risks. The robot suddenly fell over after being targeted in a hacking attack.

Physical AI systems are often connected to the internet and other networks while in use, creating potential entry points for attackers.

While the technology is expected to be deployed in a growing range of situations, providing support when robots malfunction or require repairs has also emerged as a challenge.

GMO AI & Robotics Corporation has announced a service that includes on-site repairs for humanoid robots.

The company was the only Japanese participant in a robot sports event held in Beijing in August, where it said it was able to restore a malfunctioning robot in about 10 minutes.

Physical AI is expected to become a more familiar presence in the near future, and efforts to ensure that the technology can be used safely and reliably are progressing alongside its development.

Source: TBS

Carp Wash Up in Roadside Drains After Nagoya Floods

Nagoya was assessing the damage after record-breaking rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters in one hour struck the city on September 8, causing a river to temporarily overflow into a residential area and leaving carp and catfish stranded in roadside drains.

Landslide Hits Mount Fuji as Record Rain Causes Widespread Flooding

A landslide on Mount Fuji buried three vehicles as torrential rain battered wide areas of Japan on September 9, while Nagoya continued to assess extensive flooding damage a day after the city recorded its heaviest hourly rainfall on record.

Footage Shows Tokyo Flood Control Tunnel After Heavy Rain

Large volumes of floodwater poured into the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel in Kasukabe, Saitama Prefecture, following heavy rain on September 7, prompting the massive underground flood-control facility known as the "Underground Temple" to go into operation.

Osaka Metro to Abolish Magnetic Tickets and Shift to QR Code Tickets

Osaka Metro plans to abolish magnetic tickets and replace them with QR code-based tickets around fiscal 2031, as declining use and the cost of maintaining conventional ticket gates accelerate the shift toward digital fare systems.

Tickets for Asian Games Selling Fast

Ticket sales for the Asian Games are gathering pace with less than two weeks until the competition begins, with more than 60% of tickets sold for the opening ceremony and 31 sports as of September 7, although organizers say seats remain readily available for events including soccer and baseball.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Physical AI Brings New Promise but Raises Hacking Risks

Expectations are growing for the wider use of "physical AI" robots, but concerns over hacking, breakdowns and maintenance are prompting companies to develop new security and support systems as the technology moves closer to everyday use.

Isuzu Begins Full Development of Second-Generation AI Truck

Isuzu Motors has begun full-scale development of a second-generation "AI truck" capable of making driving decisions on its own, as Japan's largest commercial vehicle maker by domestic market share aims to introduce Level 4 autonomous driving in fiscal 2027 to help address a worsening shortage of truck drivers.

Marugame Seimen Introduces President AI

Toridoll Holdings, the operator of Marugame Seimen, has introduced an artificial intelligence system trained on the thinking and speaking style of President Takaya Awata, giving employees a way to consult a virtual version of the company's founder as the restaurant group expands to around 1,200 locations in Japan and overseas.

Hitachi Turns to AI to Ease Labor Shortages

Hitachi is stepping up the use of digital technology, autonomous robots and physical AI to address Japan's growing labor shortage, showcasing systems designed to automate factory work and maintain critical infrastructure at one of the group's largest technology exhibitions.

Nvidia-Backed Japanese Startup Pushes Ahead in Physical AI

Japanese startup Enactic is developing physical AI technology that combines artificial intelligence with robotic hardware, earning recognition from Nvidia while pursuing an unusual open-development strategy that makes its technology available to the public.