ManufacturingSemiconductorsTechnology

Samsung VP: Chip Shrinks Deliver Diminishing Returns, DTCO Gains Importance

Samsung Electronics Foundry Vice President Shin Jong-shin reportedly stated that traditional process miniaturization now yields only 10-15% improvements. The company is increasingly focusing on Design-Technology Co-Optimization, which could account for 50% of performance gains at 3nm and below. This strategic shift comes as Samsung develops its second-generation 2nm GAA process.

Samsung Electronics is signaling a fundamental shift in semiconductor strategy as the traditional approach of shrinking transistors delivers diminishing returns, according to recent industry reports. The company’s Foundry Vice President Shin Jong-shin reportedly revealed that process miniaturization alone now offers only 10-15% improvements in performance and area reduction.

The DTCO Revolution

BusinessManufacturingTechnology

EU Races to Build Critical Minerals Stockpile Amid China Supply Fears

European officials are scrambling to establish critical minerals stockpiles as China’s export controls threaten supplies essential for defense systems and clean energy technology. The EU plans to launch a consultation on joint purchasing before year-end, but faces significant logistical and competitive challenges in catching up with US efforts.

Europe’s Supply Chain Wake-Up Call

European leaders are sounding the alarm about what they describe as an increasingly urgent need to stockpile critical minerals, with warnings that the continent risks falling dangerously behind in securing materials essential for both national defense and the green transition. According to industry reports, the European Commission plans to launch a consultation on stockpiling before year-end, focusing on funding mechanisms and which minerals should be prioritized for acquisition.

BusinessManufacturingTechnology

Rivian Announces Second Round of Workforce Reductions Affecting 600 Employees

Electric vehicle maker Rivian is implementing another round of layoffs affecting approximately 600 employees. The workforce reduction comes as the company faces changing government EV incentives and prepares for its more affordable R2 model launch in 2026.

Rivian Implements Workforce Reduction

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is reportedly laying off approximately 600 employees, representing about 4% of its total workforce, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sources indicate this marks the second round of job cuts at the automaker within recent months, though company officials have not provided detailed comments on the latest reductions.

HardwareManufacturingTechnology

Kontron Launches High-Performance Industrial Motherboard with Intel Core Ultra AI Capabilities

Kontron has unveiled a new industrial motherboard designed specifically for AI workloads at the edge. The K4021-U mSTX features Intel Core Ultra 7 and 5 processors with integrated Neural Processing Unit and supports up to four 4K displays.

New Industrial Motherboard Targets AI Edge Applications

Kontron has introduced what sources indicate is a significant advancement in industrial computing with the launch of the K4021-U mSTX motherboard. According to reports, this compact motherboard is specifically engineered to support Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 and 5 System-on-Chip processors, bringing substantial AI processing capabilities to edge computing environments.

AutomationEngineeringManufacturing

Advanced Welding System Achieves Real-Time Girth Weld Tracking Through Signal Synchronization

Scientists have developed a breakthrough welding tracking system that synchronizes motor controller signals with welding current variations. The technology enables real-time detection and correction of weld deviations across different welding positions and conditions.

Breakthrough in Welding Automation

Researchers have developed an innovative system for real-time girth weld tracking that synchronizes stepper motor controller signals with welding current variations, according to recent reports in Scientific Reports. The technology reportedly enables precise identification of weld groove positions and dynamic compensation for lateral torch deviations, marking a significant advancement in welding automation and quality control.