Foxconn Research Institute maps four-stage LEO roadmap from relay satellites to AI-native networks

Foxconn is extending decades of expertise in electronics manufacturing, system integration, and assembly, integration and testing (AIT) into the space industry. Through its Pearl satellite missions, the Foxconn Research Institute (FRI) is collecting first-hand data on communications links, orbital operations, and the space environment while giving group-developed hardware an opportunity to establish flight heritage.

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TSMC affiliate VisEra scales AI optics with 1.6T silicon photonics

VisEra, the TSMC-affiliated optical components supplier, is expanding into AI optical interconnects and silicon photonics, with its MicroLens products for 800G pluggable transceivers already in mass production and its next-generation PIC thin-film processes for 1.6T products targeted to begin gradual volume production by the end of 2026. A high-density optical coupling platform is planned for mass production in the second half of 2027.

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Europe and US IDM giants expand China EV share on capacity, tech edge

Major European and US integrated device manufactures (IDM) have faced strong competition from Chinese players within China’s electric vehicle (EV) market in recent years, but many are now offering a positive outlook for their business there. In recent earnings calls, several companies said their technology lead remains difficult for local rivals to catch up with, while others said AI-related foundry-capacity bottlenecks have left some Chinese integrated circuit (IC) design firms unable to secure enough production for auto customers, allowing IDMs with in-house manufacturing to win back some market share.

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South Korean minister warns about CXMT capex as semiconductor profits debate heats up

South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Jung-kwan Kim has warned that the country should not rush to redistribute semiconductor profits throughout society just as AI-driven memory demand is lifting earnings at Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to record highs. Instead, he said South Korea must help companies reinvest in facilities and R&D to protect its edge as China speeds up semiconductor investment.

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