Commentary: Robots are selling, but profits are not; data is the real prize
Capital is still pouring into humanoid robotics in 2026, but the industry’s financials are telling a more complicated story.
17
Apr
17
Apr
Lens Technology swings to loss on weak smartphone demand, FX pressure
Lens Technology reported a sharp earnings reversal in the first quarter of 2026, weighed down by softer demand for smartphones and PCs and rising financial costs, even as it continues to position itself across AI-driven hardware segments.
17
Apr
OpenAI’s HBM push signals a new AI memory arms race
A recent report by South Korea’s Chosun Biz highlights how OpenAI is actively building a dedicated supply line with Samsung Electronics to secure high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for its artificial intelligence infrastructure.
17
Apr
Google reportedly in talks with Pentagon over classified use of Gemini AI models
Google is in talks with the US Department of Defense that would allow the Pentagon to use the company’s Gemini AI models for classified purposes, according to The Information. If the deal comes to fruition, it could represent a deepening of ties between Google and the Pentagon, which is seeking AI partners after its falling out with Anthropic in recent months.
17
Apr
Memory module maker Apacer beats full-year 2025 profit in first quarter, inventory climbs
Memory module maker Apacer Technology reported its consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2026, with revenue reaching NT$7.04 billion (approx. US$223 million), gross profit NT$3.47 billion, operating profit NT$2.31 billion, net profit NT$1.86 billion, and earnings per share (EPS) of NT$14.54. Revenue, gross profit, operating profit, and net profit all hit record highs for the quarter. Compared with EPS of NT$6.7 for the full-year 2025, Apacer’s first-quarter earnings alone have already exceeded last year’s total.
17
Apr
Whetron highlights AI vision and radar safety systems at Taipei AMPA 2026
Whetron Electronics, a Taiwanese Tier 1 automotive electronics supplier, said it recently showcased a new suite of advanced driver-assistance and in-cockpit sensing technologies at the Taipei AMPA 2026, as the company pushes deeper into edge computing and intelligent vehicle safety systems.
17
Apr
Samsung accelerates Taylor fab ramp-up amid Tesla AI chip deal
Samsung Electronics is moving ahead with the operational ramp-up of its Taylor, Texas, foundry plant, marking a key step in its push to expand advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the US and secure new artificial intelligence (AI) chip customers, according to reports from Hankyung, FNN News, and EDaily.
17
Apr
Evalue launches 640kW ultra-fast charger, expanding fast-charging capacity
Taiwan’s Fortune Electric Value Company (Evalue) has launched a 640kW ultra-fast DC charger capable of charging 800V EVs in 15–20 minutes, with support for up to five simultaneous charging guns. The launch could accelerate the buildout of charging infrastructure capacity globally as operators prioritize fast-slow charging mixes and scale partnerships to meet rising EV demand and reduce emissions.
17
Apr
Samsung’s VD division reviews China strategy as local rivals gain ground
Rumors of a restructuring of Samsung Electronics’s China operations are gaining momentum, with reports suggesting potential scaling back—or even partial withdrawal—from several business lines, including home appliances, televisions, and monitors.
17
Apr
MLCC, inductor prices climb as AI demand meets cost pressure
Global passive component prices are rising, led by Japanese suppliers, with the trend spreading across China and Taiwan. Higher raw material costs and AI-driven demand are tightening supply and shifting pricing dynamics across the electronics supply chain.