Panasonic is facing challenges in realizing its AI ambitions, notably delaying the launch of Umi, a family-focused AI app initially revealed at CES 2025. This setback raises concerns about the company’s strategy to increase AI-related revenue to 30% by 2035. Umi was designed to provide personalized health and lifestyle recommendations based on family members’ habits, utilizing technology from US startup Anthropic. Panasonic CEO Yuki Kusumi indicated that a final decision on Umi is yet to be made, with no revised launch date provided. Additionally, Panasonic will shut down Yohana, a household support app launched in 2021, due to a reassessment of the business landscape. This move marks a shift in focus, as Panasonic pivots toward B2B technologies like energy storage. The difficulties with Umi and Yohana highlight the challenges Panasonic faces in integrating software within its traditionally hardware-centric operations, especially amid ongoing restructuring efforts, including workforce reductions.
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Panasonic’s AI Aspirations Falter Amid Delays and Shutdowns in Consumer Applications – ChannelNews
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