August 14, 2024 /SemiMedia/ -- Japanese chip manufacturer Rapidus has announced that its new chip factory, currently under construction in northern Japan, will feature a fully automated 2-nanometer chip production line utilizing robotics and artificial intelligence technology to meet the demands of advanced AI applications.

By implementing automated production, Rapidus expects to reduce chip delivery times to just one-third of its competitors' timelines. The structural construction of the factory is slated for completion in October of this year, with EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography equipment scheduled for installation in December.

The fully automated factory is anticipated to give Rapidus a competitive edge in the fiercely contested semiconductor manufacturing sector. While front-end processes in chip manufacturing, such as EUV lithography, have already achieved a high level of automation in most facilities, back-end processes like interconnection, packaging, and testing still heavily rely on manual labor.

Rapidus plans to automate the entire process to boost efficiency. According to Atsuyoshi Koike, President of Rapidus, this approach will result in higher performance and faster delivery speeds compared to other companies' similar 2nm products.

If Rapidus can significantly shorten delivery times without compromising on price or quality, the company could secure a significant position in the market. Faster delivery will provide data centers and other AI companies with greater flexibility in planning and deployment.