Elon Musk has clarified that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) will not operate his planned Terafab artificial intelligence chip complex, saying the facility will instead be built and run by his own companies.
Musk said Tesla and SpaceX are taking responsibility for constructing and operating the massive chipmaking project, although TSMC could potentially sublease part of the facility. The clarification comes amid discussions over how TSMC and other semiconductor companies could participate in the venture.
The Terafab project is designed to support the growing demand for advanced chips needed by Tesla, SpaceX and Musk’s other artificial intelligence and robotics initiatives. The companies are seeking greater control over chip production as AI computing requirements continue to expand.
Intel is also involved in the project, with its CEO Lip-Bu Tan saying the company remains committed to working with Musk on Terafab. The project could ultimately become an important part of Musk’s strategy to secure a dedicated supply of advanced AI and robotics chips.
The development underscores the increasingly competitive semiconductor landscape, as major technology companies seek closer control over the supply chains powering artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and robotics.
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