NTT Data launches a retrofit-ready agentic AI stack to bridge Industry 4.0 to 5.0, transforming legacy RPA bots into autonomous agents and delivering modular, multi-cloud AI across sectors.
In a significant leap forward for automation, NTT Data has introduced a groundbreaking solution tailored for businesses eager to embrace the future of artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s retrofit-ready agentic AI stack aims to revolutionize how legacy robotic process automation (RPA) bots function, turning these traditional tools into intelligent, autonomous agents. This offering is particularly relevant as industries transition from Industry 4.0—characterized by automation and data exchange—to Industry 5.0, where human collaboration and creativity are emphasized.
Retrofitting RPA for Industry 5.0
One of the standout features of NTT Data’s new solution is its patented plug-in capability. This innovation is designed to transform existing RPA bots, which are primarily rule-based automation tools, into self-operating AI agents capable of making decisions independently. Much like upgrading a basic television to a smart TV, this plug-in brings sophistication and autonomy to legacy systems, enhancing their functionality while enabling compliance with governance, security, and privacy regulations. Enterprises that have invested heavily in RPA technology can now upgrade without starting from scratch, effectively bridging the gap between older operational technology (OT) and the emerging demands of Industry 5.0.
Composable AI System for Diverse Needs
The Smart AI Agent Ecosystem, as the broader service is dubbed, encompasses a range of modular agents, tools, and templates tailored for various sectors. What’s particularly noteworthy is the system’s flexibility; businesses can mix-and-match vertical and horizontal AI solutions to achieve desired outcomes. This modularity allows for a tailored approach, ensuring that enterprises can deploy exactly what they need without excess complexity. From healthcare to finance, the application of agentic AI is varied, and businesses can pick specific tools suited to their unique operational challenges.
Cloud-to-Edge Delivery
In today’s increasingly digital landscape, the infrastructure supporting AI deployment is just as crucial as the AI itself. NTT Data has streamlined the delivery of AI through robust cloud-to-edge solutions. By integrating private 5G networks and hyperscaler flexibility, the company simplifies multi-agent deployments across public and private cloud environments. This means that irrespective of how dispersed an enterprise’s infrastructure is, NTT Data can facilitate seamless communication and operation between agents deployed in different settings—whether that’s on-site at an office or distributed across global data centers.
NTT Data’s AI service offering goes beyond just agentic AI, providing all the necessary tools, infrastructure, and expertise to support enterprises in this transition. It includes high-performance servers and storage solutions optimized for AI workloads, ensuring that organizations have the computational power they need. The network infrastructure ensures stable connectivity across environments, linking offices to cloud platforms and AI agents that are virtually located. With a strong focus on security and compliance, NTT Data promises to manage not only the AI agents themselves but also the surrounding services that enable their function.
Partnerships Enhance Deployment
To bolster its AI infrastructure and services, NTT Data is collaborating with notable startups such as Rafay Systems and Kore.ai. Rafay’s platform enhances scalability and streamlines the development of AI workloads, while Kore.ai brings its enterprise-grade AI platform into the mix, facilitating more intelligent support systems for businesses. These partnerships aim to refine the overall digital workplace experience, making AI deployment more efficient and personalized for various client needs.
Real-World Applications of Agentic AI
The implications of NTT Data’s agentic AI stack are profound, with the company announcing that it has already deployed hundreds of AI agent instances across client projects. In the healthcare sector, for instance, agents have been utilized to classify and prioritize insurance appeals and monitor patient medications. In finance, agents assist in fraud detection and customer validation. Additionally, in procurement and logistics, intelligent agents are streamlining purchasing workflows and enhancing operational efficiency. This breadth of application underscores the versatility and potential of agentic AI across multiple industries.
Driving the Future with AI
NTT Data’s leadership is keenly aware of the transformative power of AI. As President and CEO Yutaka Sasaki noted, the rapid evolution of AI presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses, and NTT Data aims to empower its clients to navigate these changes effectively. With a solid foundation laid in agentic AI, companies can expect not just incremental improvements, but substantial shifts in how they operate, make decisions, and engage with their customers.
Abhijit Dubey, CEO of the firm, elaborates on the impact of agentic AI, predicting that it will transform sectors in ways that far surpass traditional applications of AI. He likens the transformative potential of agentic AI to the early days of the internet, emphasizing its ability to unlock new capabilities that facilitate decision-making and collaboration in unprecedented ways. In this rapidly evolving landscape, NTT Data positions itself not just as a participant but as a leader, driving the future of work and value creation in the age of AI.
