Toto reportedly bets bigger on semiconductor materials as AI pushes industry toward 1nm era

Japanese bathroom fixture maker Toto is deepening its commitment to the semiconductor industry, unveiling plans to invest JPY80 billion (approx. US$495.3 million) over the next five years to expand production of advanced ceramic materials used in chip manufacturing. According to a Nikkei Asia report, the company aims to support future-generation semiconductor processes in the 1nm range, extending a business that has become a major profit driver amid the AI boom.

Continue reading

MSScorps expands Taiwan investment again for silicon photonics

Taiwan’s investment office, InvesTaiwan, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has approved expanded Taiwan investment plans from four companies, led by MSScorps, which will invest NT$1.5 billion (US$47.4 million) and is filing for the third time. The company plans to add production lines and adopt AI technology at its Hsinchu, Tai Yuen Hi-Tech Industrial Park, and Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) facilities.

Continue reading

Hongkang ramps silicon photonics testing investment with first system due in August

Semiconductor testing and analysis service provider Hongkang held its annual shareholders’ meeting on June 18. Chairperson Hsieh Yung-fen said the company has begun investing in a silicon photonics wafer-and-chip optoelectronic analysis platform in anticipation of growing demand for silicon photonics. The first system is expected to be installed before August 2026, followed by a second and third system by the end of 2026 and early 2027, respectively.

Continue reading

Taiwan AI delegation pivots to end-to-end solutions at VivaTech to tap European demand

The National Science Council organized a Taiwan Tech Arena delegation of 95 companies to attend the VivaTech conference in France, presenting an “AI Taiwan” showcase to promote Taiwan’s AI technologies and applications to European buyers and partners. The delegation departed this year to align with VivaTech’s 10th anniversary and its theme “A New Dimension for a New Decade,” aiming to highlight how AI can be integrated into daily life and industry settings.

Continue reading

Robot batteries diverge from EVs as A-PRO backs swap systems

South Korean battery equipment maker A-PRO says robot battery design differs sharply from electric vehicles (EVs), with hot-swap battery replacement, dual-battery setups, and autonomous energy management emerging as key solutions for keeping machines running longer and reducing downtime. The company outlined its strategy at the Korean Institute of Electric Vehicles (KIEV) 2026 summer seminar.

Continue reading