Japan-based Mitsubishi Electric and Sony Semiconductor Solutions, a semiconductor unit of Sony, have agreed to form a joint venture called Advanced Vision Solutions Co. Ltd. to develop AI vision sensor solutions for manufacturing.

The venture is scheduled to start operations in October 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The companies said the joint venture will combine Sony’s image sensors and edge AI with Mitsubishi Electric’s factory automation technology.

The aim is to analyze visual data on the sensor itself and use it for manufacturing decisions and equipment control.

The companies said the products are meant to support automation and autonomous operations, including product quality inspection, equipment monitoring, and maintenance.

The plan builds on Sony technology that already processes data on-sensor and an industrial lineup used in manufacturing and logistics.

Mitsubishi Electric brings factory automation products such as controllers and robots.

The venture is entering a machine vision market forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%, from US$15.83 billion in 2025 to US$23.63 billion by 2030.

Established suppliers include Cognex, KEYENCE, Teledyne, Basler, and Omron.

🔗 Source: Sony Semiconductor