European Chipmakers Target Leadership in Physical AI and Robotics
CEOs of Infineon, STMicroelectronics, and NXP argue Europe can lead in physical AI by leveraging its automotive and industrial technology strengths.
CEOs from leading European chipmakers declared on Monday that Europe is well-positioned to compete with the United States and Asia in robotics and physical AI. Speaking at an industry gathering in Munich, the executives argued that the region can leverage existing strengths in automotive and industrial technology as AI transitions from data centers into physical machinery and vehicles.
Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon, characterized industrial and physical AI as a critical priority for the region. Other leaders emphasized the necessity of developing chips and systems that ensure safety and reliability in real-world applications, noting that errors in physical environments can have irreversible consequences.
STMicroelectronics has already begun integrating humanoid robots from Italy's Oversonic into its factories, including a semiconductor plant in Malta. While these projects remain in early trial stages, the company's leadership noted that the advancement of physical AI requires close cooperation between chipmakers and their customers.
