Beyond the US-China Axis: Why HBR is Right About the Future of Physical AI

The prevailing narrative suggests that the future of Artificial Intelligence is a two-horse race between the US and China. However, the latest analysis from the Harvard Business Review highlights a critical shift that is often overlooked: The next wave of innovation isn't just about Generative AI in the cloud-it is about Physical AI on the ground.

HBR identifies Japan as a burgeoning powerhouse in this new landscape, citing Bear Robotics as a prime case study.

This recognition validates a reality we see every day. While Large Language Models (LLMs) can write code or generate images, they cannot navigate a busy warehouse or serve a table. That requires Physical AI-intelligent systems that can perceive, reason, and act in the material world. Japan, with its deep cultural acceptance of robotics and coordinated government support, is the perfect crucible for this evolution.

That is exactly why Bear Robotics has aggressively expanded our footprint in Tokyo, Seoul, and across APAC. We aren’t just selling into these markets; we are leveraging their unique ecosystems to refine our technology.

From Hospitality to Logistics

This global approach is what drives our product evolution. It is why we are moving beyond service robots and deeper into logistics with our Carti AMR line. The complexity of Japanese logistics centers and the high standards of Korean hospitality drive us to build smarter, more adaptable robots that define what Physical AI can be.

HBR captured the moment perfectly: The winners in the next era won't just be those with the biggest data centers. They will be the companies that understand cultural norms, regulatory landscapes, and physical realities.

The future of AI is local and global simultaneously. We are proud to be the case study for how that future is being built.