Leading OEM and automobile firms, including Foxconn, BYD, and Xiaomi, are showcasing their collaborative robots (cobots) at the 2024 China International Industry Fair (CIIF), held in Shanghai from September 24 to 28. These major manufacturers have incorporated robots made by a range of local Chinese companies into their production lines, as they aim to gradually increase the ratio of robots in the manufacturing process.
Tencent Robotics X Lab recently unveiled its latest advancements in robot development, including its new general-purpose robot, The Five. This fifth-generation robot features a hybrid design with four legs and wheels, tactile skin and fingers, and the ability to safely interact with humans. The Five is slated to be tested in elderly care and other experimental situations, to perform simple interactive tasks such as carrying glasses of water or even patients
The US is intensifying restrictions on Chinese-made vehicles. Beyond the current 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the US Department of Commerce (DOC) is reportedly preparing to ban the sale and use of Chinese vehicles with internet connectivity within US borders
Japan may have pioneered perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology, but mass production remains elusive. In China, however, at least six startups are racing ahead, building PSC factories with a flood of domestic and international investment to rapidly scale production
Sahasra Electronics, an India-based electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider eyeing the semiconductor packaging business, is set to launch an initial public offering (IPO) on September 26, aiming to raise INR1.86 billion (approx. US$22.3 million)
Foxconn-backed SiliconAuto established a new R&D center in Bengaluru that will specialize in designing semiconductor products and developing SoC solutions for the automotive industry. The focus will be on developing cutting-edge semiconductor solutions for EVs, autonomous driving, and connected car technologies
As India's semiconductor ambitions take shape, Henkel, the global industrial adhesives and electronics packaging giant, is positioning itself to support the country's emerging semiconductor ecosystem
Samsung Electronics and Naver previously announced a collaboration to develop artificial intelligence (AI) accelerators for servers. However, recent reports suggest that the two companies have parted ways due to conflicts of interest and product competitiveness concerns. Samsung has opted for independent development and is now seeking new clients to replace Naver
Taiwan's government is urging local IC design houses to speed up their migration to advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes to avoid cut-throat pricing competition from China. However, industry sources say it is much more complicated than a technological issue
BYD and other Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are launching a range of fully electric SUVs that are intended to take on the Tesla Model Y. Chinese EV brands led by BYD have launched at least five electric SUVs since the beginning of September, all of which are aimed at competing in the same class as the Model Y
Huawei is preparing to launch its latest flagship Mate 70 series, a product bolstered by substantial government support and suppliers, particularly SMIC, who are reportedly sacrificing profits
Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. China (AMEC), a China-based semiconductor equipment supplier, announced the resignation of Senior Vice President Tuqiang Ni and Core Technical Expert Wei Yang, both citing personal reasons. Despite stepping down from their leadership roles, both individuals will remain employed at the company
China is poised to take the lead in the global market for mature semiconductor manufacturing processes as it continues to expand its production capacity. Industry experts warn that Taiwan may face stiff competition from China's "red supply chain," which could potentially engage in price dumping in the market for mature process chips
Japan has officially launched the Japan Hydrogen Fund, a US$400 million initiative aimed at advancing the global hydrogen supply chain and reducing barriers to clean energy adoption. The fund, proposed by the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A), reached its first-phase fundraising goal by August 2024 and commenced operations on September 12, with plans to announce its first investment by year-end
The escalating tensions between major powers are reshaping global investment and trade patterns, leading to a surge in companies facing divestment, relocation, and investment shifts. This trend suggests an impending rise in production and trade costs, coupled with intensified competition for localized investments. Nations that previously benefited from global supply chain shifts should remain vigilant, as they may become potential targets in the United States' evolving trade strategies
On September 20, 2024, Advantech announced the expansion of its operations in Singapore. The move aims to strengthen the company's position in the region's semiconductor and high-tech sectors while fostering local talent development
