Cargill: Deploying Robotics and Edge AI with NTT Data

Cargill is moving to modernise manufacturing and processing operations through the deployment of intelligent automation and edge computing infrastructure across 50 global sites.

Facilitating the shift is NTT Data, which will rollout its private 5G network across large-scale agricultural processing plants and food manufacturing facilities, as it positions AI-enabled systems at the centre of the company's digital programme.

This project underlines how enterprise AI is moving from pilot phase to scaled production environments in industrial settings.

Connectivity foundation

NTT DATA's private 5G platform provides the connectivity foundation that enables edge AI workloads, distributed intelligence and consistent performance across complex industrial footprints.

Most deployments will be in the US, but live sites in Europe and further regions are under consideration. There are also additional facilities scheduled for completion throughout 2026 as Cargill expands its connected workplace strategy and plans to deploy robotics in its sites.

The deployment demonstrates how advanced wireless infrastructure has become a prerequisite for industrial AI rather than simply a connectivity upgrade.

In industrial settings with heavy machinery and wide outdoor areas, low-latency edge computing is a crucial factor in operational efficiency. As Cargill rolls out SAP enterprise resource planning across facilities, the underlying network layer supports frontline staff using smartphones and ruggedised tablets.

The infrastructure also supports automation and robotics – two areas that depend on continuous communication between machines, control systems and distributed intelligence platforms.

These use cases demonstrate how edge computing capabilities and network slicing translate into measurable operational outcomes.

With connectivity acting as a foundation layer for multiple AI initiatives, the partnership reflects a broader enterprise trend as intelligent automation becomes embedded within application modernisation programmes.

Robert Greiner, Director Platform Engineering for Customer, Commercial and Business Operations Digital Technology at Cargill, explains: "Our work with NTT DATA is a true partnership, allowing us to confidently advance our global digital transformation strategy.

"Private 5G gives us a secure, scalable foundation to support connected workers, robotics and edge AI use cases across our operations."

Physical AI in production environments

The infrastructure enables advanced robotics and physical AI deployments across operational environments.

For example, Cargill has deployed Boston Dynamics' Spot at a facility in Amsterdam, which is an AI-powered robot designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

The robot automates visual inspections and monitors for hazards such as equipment overheating, which operates in areas that are hazardous or hard for people to reach.

These operations rely on edge computing to process computer vision workloads and transmit high-definition video and telemetry data in real time.

This deployment shows how there is a growing link between wireless infrastructure and distributed AI processing.

Inference can occur close to the source of data, which reduces cloud dependency whilst maintaining responsiveness for safety-critical tasks.

Edge computing meets industrial automation

The Cargill implementation illustrates how AI capabilities now extend beyond centralised cloud processing into integrated solutions combining connectivity, edge compute, inference engines and application services.

Processing visual data from autonomous robots requires substantial compute resources positioned near the operational environment.

Traditional cloud architectures introduce latency that could compromise safety systems, whereas edge deployments enable real-time decision-making for autonomous equipment.

Shahid Ahmed, Global Head of Edge Services at NTT DATA, positions connectivity as a prerequisite for industrial AI.

He says: "As manufacturing organisations expand the use of physical AI and intelligent automation, reliable and secure connectivity becomes foundational to digital transformation.

"Cargill is demonstrating how Private 5G can bring technology and operations together in environments where traditional networks fall short, while improving safety, agility and performance."

Scaling AI across manufacturing sites

NTT DATA introduced its enterprise private 5G platform in 2021.

The Cargill programme demonstrates how early-stage deployment has now evolved into multi-site AI infrastructure spanning continents.

For AI solution providers, these integrations present practical challenges. Industrial customers require tailored edge computing architecture, AI model deployment pipelines, device integration and ongoing lifecycle support.

Enterprise systems such as SAP also reinforce the role of infrastructure providers as strategic partners in AI transformation rather than connectivity utilities.

With 50 sites live and more planned, Cargill's rollout offers a reference point for how edge AI operates at scale in manufacturing.

It illustrates how enterprise demand is reshaping technology portfolios around distributed intelligence, ultimately changing the game for AI deployment at industrial sites.