Sony Semiconductor to Require About 8,000 Staff Back to Office to Accelerate Physical AI R&D

Sony Group will ask employees of its chip-making subsidiary Sony Semiconductor Solutions to largely return to in-office work starting in October 2026, becoming the latest Japanese company to tighten its remote-work policy, according to Nikkei Asia.

The measure will cover about 8,000 employees at Sony Semiconductor Solutions. It is part of an organizational overhaul aimed at accelerating research and development in physical AI, with the company seeking to improve collaboration and decision-making across cross-departmental R&D teams to support new business incubation.

Sony said remote work will remain available for employees with special circumstances such as childcare or family care. The company is also creating more casual spaces for daily interaction as well as separate quiet rooms for deep-focus work.