oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, semiconductor companies, semiconductors, technology, technology industry
New Delhi [India], March 25 (ANI): The semiconductor sector in India is expanding; however, it encounters substantial obstacles including an immature infrastructure.
supply chain
According to a report by Jefferies, factors such as a scarcity of skilled manufacturing professionals, intense international rivalry, and swiftly advancing technologies are key issues.
The report highlighted that while India has several key advantages, including a strong engineering talent pool and government support, it must overcome hurdles to establish a competitive semiconductor ecosystem.
It stated, “The sector must also chart a course through the difficulties posed by underdeveloped”
supply chain
, scarce specialized manufacturing expertise, intense international rivalry, and swiftly advancing technology.”
A major hurdle lies in the restricted supply of crucial raw materials such as silicon wafers, high-purity gases, specialized chemicals, and ultrapure water—essentials needed for semiconductor production.
Although India boasts a robust chemical and gas production industry, notably in areas such as Dahej in Gujarat, businesses must improve their capacity to manufacture high-purity materials for semiconductors. The government has made the advancement of the entire semiconductor ecosystem a priority.
supply chain
including chemicals, gases, and machinery, to decrease reliance on imported products.
India accounts for approximately 20 percent of the worldwide semiconductor design workforce, showcasing its prowess in chip development. Nonetheless, there is a shortage of expertise in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing and validation.
To tackle this issue, the report indicated that businesses are focusing on enhancing skills, while the government is partnering with industries and academic institutions to develop specialized courses for semiconductor fabrication, assembly, and testing.
The report further highlighted that India encounters strong rivalry from prominent semiconductor centers like China, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan, regions that have invested years in developing their respective infrastructures.
As semiconductors gain greater strategic significance and the emphasis on them continues to grow,
supply chain
To boost security, numerous nations are providing subsidies and incentives to lure semiconductor producers.
To lure investments, India has introduced significant incentives, aiding in the launch of several semiconductor manufacturing initiatives.
Setting up sophisticated manufacturing plants, however, involves several risks such as initial production difficulties, problems with maintaining quality standards, and the challenge of reaching large-scale efficiency. The prosperity of India’s semiconductor sector hinges on establishing consistent demand for semiconductors within the country and abroad.
A key difficulty lies in staying abreast of swift technological progressions. Even as India is currently establishing its inaugural fabrication plant, international semiconductor firms are consistently advancing the frontiers of shrinking transistor sizes. Consequently, as a belated participant, India might need to commit substantial financial resources to keep pace competitively.
Even with these hurdles, India’s semiconductor sector holds significant growth potential through robust governmental backing, partnerships within the industry, and financial commitments to R&D. Creating a comprehensive semiconductor framework will be essential for India to emerge as a key competitor in the international chip market. (ANI)
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | entertainment, k pop, korean, news, technology
In the first half of this year, a surge of upcoming girl groups is dominating K-pop, as prominent and medium-sized entertainment companies debut promising newcomers. Supported by well-known producers, these emerging artists are spearheading a transformative change within the music scene.
This year, Kakao Entertainment has introduced two significant new girl groups through its affiliated companies. On February 24, SM Entertainment, now part of Kakao following its merger last May, unveiled its eight-member ensemble called Hearts2Hearts. Just a month later, on March 24, another affiliate—Starship Entertainment—introduced their five-member unit named KiiiKiii. Both acts made their debut within a span of approximately thirty days from each other.
Both groups are gaining attention as possible successors to their agencies’ top girl groups. Hearts2Hearts is SM’s first girl group in four years, following aespa. The octet stands out with sharp choreography reminiscent of their senior group. Their debut album “The Chase” features an R&B title track of the same name, praised for its dreamy harmonies. The group’s multinational lineup is also attracting attention, especially Carmen, the first Indonesian member to debut in a major agency’s girl group. Hearts2Hearts will launch a reality show, Chat Hearts2Hearts, on streaming platform Wavve on March 26.
On the contrary, KiiiKiii comprises solely Korean teenagers. This ensemble was conceived by Seo Hyun-joo, who also produced the teen-favorite group IVE. Their inaugural album titled “Uncut Gem” features six songs, including the lead track “I Do Me,” which infuses an energetic, festive atmosphere using dance-hip-hop rhythms.
Smaller agencies are also leveraging high-profile producers to make their mark. New agency Titan Content will debut its seven-member girl group AtHeart in July. The agency has been introducing its members while highlighting the production team, which includes former SM planner Kang Jung-ah and renowned choreographer Lia Kim.
Another mid-sized agency, Hi-Hat Entertainment, is set to debut its seven-member group Ifeye on April 8. The group is produced by choreographer Ryud, known for his work on “Queendom 2″ and “My Teenage Girl.”
Last year’s newcomers are also set to make a comeback. Izna, a seven-member girl band from WakeOne Entertainment—a subsidiary of CJ ENM—made their debut in November. They were backed by Teddy, the renowned producer known for his work with Blackpink. Another act, Say My Name, launched in October under iNKODE Entertainment and was crafted by Kim Jae-joong, who previously performed as part of TVXQ. These two ensembles will be reigniting their promotional activities later this month.
The competition to win over teen audiences is intensifying. Before dropping their first single, Hearts2Hearts partnered with the beloved children’s icon series “Catch! Teenieping.” Their strategy includes unveiling jointly branded products and music clips. Meanwhile, KiiiKiii has embraced a “Gen Z vibe,” incorporating nostalgic items such as pagers and karaoke scenes into their video content. Prior to making their official debut, this band managed to captivate younger followers through a playful theme centered around a jam factory, complete with an engaging, character-driven online platform and related merchandise.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, startups and entrepreneurship, technology
The founder and editor of Motoring World International, Femi Owoye, has encouraged engineering graduates to explore entrepreneurship, asserting that the future will belong to individuals capable of developing innovative solutions and transforming them into successful ventures.
He emphasized that graduates should be passionate about tackling issues, generating employment opportunities, and fostering national progress.
After receiving recognition from the Federal University of Oye Ekiti during their 2025 graduation ceremony for new engineering graduates and the fifth Prof Chinedu Nebo faculty lecture, which took place recently at the engineering faculty hall, Owoeye offered this advice.
Owoeye received recognition for his contributions to advancing the automotive engineering sector and reporting on the automobile industry in Nigeria via his publication, Motoring World International.
At the event, when delivering his speech, the honored individual emphasized that the time has passed when young people relied solely on governmental positions or conventional job prospects.
He believes that graduate engineers adopting entrepreneurship are crucial for closing the employment gap, promoting technological advancements, enhancing national economic progress, and capitalizing on the digital sector.
He urged the new engineers to undertake essential actions such as cultivating a problem-solving attitude, acquiring knowledge in business and leadership, utilizing technology and innovation, and establishing strategic connections and collaborations, amongst other tasks.
Consequently, he urged the engineers to begin exploring innovative ideas beyond conventional boundaries and pinpoint societal issues that demand engineering-based resolutions.
Owoeye asserted that society has moved past pursuing certifications solely for job opportunities.
For example, within the expanding automotive sector of the country, there are prospects for implementing automation, developing locally-sourced auto components, manufacturing compressed natural gas conversion kits domestically, producing electric vehicle batteries locally, along with exploring alternate energy sources for powering commercial vehicles.
Consider developing an automated solar charging system for a commercial vehicle or tricycle, allowing these vehicles to operate without requiring gasoline, diesel, or even compressed natural gas.
In the agricultural industry, one issue that persists is the damage caused to cropland by roaming cattle. Studies have shown that livestock can be deterred by sounds at higher frequencies or alarms. This presents a potential venture for an inventive engineer looking to develop a gadget featuring a sensor capable of detecting cows or similar creatures from afar and deterring them using a loud, high-frequency warning.
“As such, for every budding engineering entrepreneur, the moment to take action is right now. Nigeria requires your innovation, intellect, and fortitude to construct the future sectors,” stated Owoeye.
Introducing the accolade, the Dean of Engineering at the institution, Professor O. Akinsanmi, praised Owoeyer for his contributions to advancing the domain of automotive engineering and addressing the significant gap in the coverage of Nigeria’s auto sector.
Via Motoring World International, a magazine he established nearly thirty years ago, Owoeyer has not just fostered the expansion of the sector with his writings but has also championed policies designed to expedite the advancement of the automotive industry.
“It is with gratitude for your contributions to the automotive engineering sector through the motoring press that this appreciation award has been bestowed upon you,” Akinsanmi stated additionally.
The annual induction of graduate engineers at FUOYE is organized by the university’s Convocation Ceremony Committee together with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, semiconductor companies, semiconductors, technology
With automobiles increasingly resembling rolling computer systems, car manufacturers are competing to create their own semiconductors—which are essential components for elements ranging from electric drivetrains to advanced driver-assistance technologies. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with depending solely on outside semiconductor providers. Moreover, as the automotive sector transitions towards electrification and autonomy, this surge in demand emphasizes the necessity for sophisticated, high-performing microchips even further.
In an effort to decrease reliance on external chip producers, businesses are establishing their own internal semiconductor design groups, opening R&D facilities in Silicon Valley, and entering into agreements with manufacturing firms for outsourced production. Additionally, some enterprises are forging joint ventures; for instance, they might team up with Taiwan-based Foxconn to jointly develop automotive-specific microchips.
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers such as Tesla and China’s BYD have traditionally focused on developing their own chips, but now conventional carmakers—like Toyota, Hyundai Motor Group, Stellantis, and General Motors (GM)—are also entering this competition.
Automotive semiconductors were previously seen as a specialized sector, yet their importance has expanded with the increasing technological sophistication of vehicles. In contrast to sophisticated processors utilized in smartphones and data centers, automotive chips tend to be simpler, which makes them more amenable to internal production by automobile manufacturers.
Nevertheless, the supply continues to be restricted. In the past, chip producers have primarily focused on catering to the consumer electronics sector, which has left automotive manufacturers vying for a scarce allocation of chips. This disparity grew particularly evident during the pandemic as worldwide shortages compelled numerous auto companies to suspend their manufacturing operations.
South Korea’s Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) reports that traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles typically incorporate approximately 200 semiconductor components each, whereas Electric Vehicles (EVs) necessitate about 1,000 such devices, with Autonomous Vehicles requiring over 2,000. Notably, power semiconductors—critical for determining an EV’s operational range—are considered particularly significant in this domain.
According to market research company Verified Market Research, the worldwide automotive semiconductor market is expected to expand at an annual compounded growth rate of 5.83%. This would bring the total value up to $82.8 billion by 2031, starting from $54.8 billion in 2024.
The Hyundai Motor Group, having traditionally relied heavily on Germany’s Infineon Technologies for its chips, is now becoming more involved in semiconductor production. In 2020, the group’s car components division, Hyundai Mobis, purchased Hyundai Autron—a firm formerly dedicated to semiconductors for internal combustion engines. Following this acquisition, Hyundai Autron has redirected its efforts towards developing electric vehicle (EV) chips. Moreover, Hyundai Mobis intends to start producing essential automotive semiconductors through contract manufacturing later this year.
In 2023, Hyundai reinforced its relationship with Infineon by forming a collaboration aimed at jointly developing power semiconductors specifically for electric and hybrid cars.
Toyota has chosen an alternative path by establishing a joint venture with its component supplier Denso to advance automotive semiconductor development. In contrast, Volkswagen is pouring investments into chip technology via its software division, Cariad, with the objective of designing bespoke semiconductors specifically for their cars.
GM is intensifying its chip strategy as well. The company has joined forces with Dutch semiconductor manufacturer NXP Semiconductors to collaboratively develop chips for their upcoming generation of electric vehicles.
From the outset, Tesla has been designing its own chips and relying on external contractors for manufacturing. On the other hand, China-based BYD both designs and manufactures its own car-specific semiconductors. In 2023, BYD declared an investment of 100 billion yuan ($13.8 billion) aimed at advancing its capabilities in semiconductor technology as well as autonomous driving systems, thereby intensifying its efforts in this area.
In addition to creating new chip designs, automobile manufacturers are also focusing on simplifying the semiconductor supply chain. They are integrating various functionalities into fewer chips to decrease complexity and make purchasing processes more efficient.
For example, Stellantis is collaborating with Foxconn to jointly develop semiconductors that might substitute up to 80% of the current chip usage in Stellantis cars. The objective behind this initiative is to reduce expenses, streamline manufacturing processes, and secure a more consistent supply chain.
The pandemic highlighted weaknesses in the automotive chip supply chain,” stated Lee Hang-gu, a researcher at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute. “Meanwhile, China’s drive towards independent semiconductor development is also spurring global automakers to enhance their own chip technologies.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, korean, news, samsung, technology
On March 25, Samsung Electronics verified that Han Jong-hee, their vice chairman and CEO, had succumbed to a heart attack. It is reported that he fell ill on March 22 following his attendance at his daughter’s wedding celebration and was rushed to theSamsung Medical Center in Seoul, passing away subsequently.
Han headed the Device Experience (DX) sector—the principal segment among the firm’s two core divisions—where he significantly influenced the management of the Digital Appliances (DA) unit. He was born in 1962 and obtained an undergraduate degree in electronics engineering from Inha University before joining Samsung in 1988 with their TV development group. During his extensive 37-year career at Samsung, Han became well-known for his substantial contributions to the television market.
In November 2017, Han took over as the leader of the Visual Display Business at Samsung, earning praise for assisting the company in retaining its status as the global top producer of TVs for an uninterrupted period of fifteen years. His efforts were acknowledged when he was elevated to the positions of vice chairman and chief executive officer in 2021, overseeing the newly formed SET division that merges operations from both the IM and CE sectors.
During the 56th annual general meeting held on March 19, Han shared his perspective on Samsung’s upcoming trajectory. He stated, “Our aim is to establish a foundation for significant advancements within our current sectors through unparalleled technological superiority.” Additionally, he emphasized their commitment to exploring novel opportunities in various domains such as robotics, medical technologies, and advanced semiconductor solutions, all aimed at fostering sustainable expansion fueled by artificial intelligence innovations.
Initially, Han was slated to present the keynote speech at “Welcome to Bespoke AI,” Samsung’s premier annual event for home appliances, which was set for March 26. Nevertheless, on March 24, the firm declared a shift in speakers due to an unexpected medical emergency involving Han. Instead, executive members from the Development Division within the DA business will take over his speaking role.
In an internal communication, Samsung Electronics announced his demise, saying, “We grieve the loss of a individual who committed 37 years of service to our organization.” The firm further noted, “Under his leadership, our global TV operations reached the top spot and he exerted every effort as the chief of the SET division and DA business, despite difficult internal and external circumstances.”
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, manufacturing, news, technology, technology industry
The robotics start-up co-founded by former Huawei ‘Genius Youth’ recruits has an ambitious 5,000-unit production target, far exceeding 2024 output
Agibot, a robotics startup based in Shanghai co-founded by a former
Huawei Technologies
“Genius Youth” recruits, is targeting production of up to 5,000 robots this year, according to a senior executive, matching Elon Musk’s Optimus plans.
The company, also known as Zhiyuan Robotics, plans to deliver between 3,000 and 5,000 robots this year, a significant increase from the fewer than 1,000 units shipped last year, according to Yao Maoqing, a partner at Agibot and president of the company’s embodied intelligence unit. The production surge reflects the eagerness among Chinese robotics start-ups for expansion amid a domestic boom in the industry.
In the first two months of the year, industrial robot production in China saw a 27 percent increase compared to the previous year, reaching 91,088 units. Meanwhile, service robot output surged by 36 percent to hit approximately 1.5 million units, as reported by official statistics.
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Established in 2023, Agibot has quickly emerged as a prominent figure in Shanghai’s robotics industry, having set up operations in the Lingang New Area. The company intends to launch a new factory in the Pudong district aimed at boosting its monthly output to over 400 robots, Yao stated.
“This year, we aim to deploy new products in industrial scenarios, replacing humans in specific tasks to create tangible customer value,” Yao told the South China Morning Post.
It will probably be about another five years before households widely adopt humanoid robots, he mentioned.
Agibot was co-founded by Peng Zhihui, a former member of Huawei’s high-profile “Genius Youth” programme that recognises top young talent in China. Peng, along with entrepreneurs such as
Xingxing Wang from Unitree Robotics
He is considered pivotal in positioning China as a leading force in the field of robotics.
Yao, a veteran of the autonomous-driving industry with stints at
Google
‘s Waymo and Chinese electric vehicle maker
Nio
, said the country has advantages in humanoid robotics, including a comprehensive hardware supply chain and abundant
artificial intelligence
talent.
The field of human-like robots is still in its early stages, with numerous potential uses yet to be explored, and current manufacturing expenses are quite steep,” Yao stated. He anticipates that these costs will significantly drop as production increases, allowing the expense of essential parts like motors, gearboxes, and modules to be distributed over greater quantities, thus enhancing cost-efficiency through better yield rates.
Yao mentioned that broad acceptance will likely occur when the cost per unit drops to around 50,000 yuan (US$6,900).
Currently, Agibot manages three primary product lines: Yuanzheng, a two-legged human-like robot intended for business applications; Genie, an agile wheeled robot equipped with two arms; and Lingxi, a compact humanoid aimed at both developers and general consumers. Earlier this year, the company celebrated reaching their 1,000-unit production mark, comprising of 269 mobile models and 731 walking bots. Peng has taken charge of advancing the Lingxi line, which just released its newest iteration—the X2 version.
Agibot has successfully concluded at least eight financing rounds, drawing investments from notable venture capital firms including GL Ventures, Lanchi Ventures, HongShan Capital Group, and CAS Star, an entity supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The company also counts several industry leaders among its backers.
BYD
Beijing Automotive Group Company (BAIC) along with city-supported funds like Lingang’s Sci-Tech Fund have also invested, according to Chinese corporate database Tianyancha.
Yao mentioned that the start-up is presently estimated to be worth around 10 billion yuan.
Similar to other robotic companies, Agibot encounters difficulties due to limited data availability. In contrast to the extensive online textual information used for training big language models, robots necessitate multimodal models capable of interpreting their physical environments.
Agibot has established a data collection centre in Shanghai, where around 100 robots generate about 50,000 high-quality motion data records daily within a 2,000-square-metre facility. Each record contains tens of thousands of tokens.
“To attain general intelligence, robots need much larger datasets to confirm scaling laws and anticipate new abilities when data hits billions of tokens,” stated Yao. He highlighted Agibot’s dedication to utilizing open-source datasets, working together with industry colleagues and end-users, as well as generating additional data via simulations.
Earlier this month, Agibot introduced “Genie Operator-1”, a general-purpose embodied foundation model that it claimed can enhance robots’ multitasking abilities.
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