Siemens and GlobalFoundries (GF) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on automation technologies for semiconductor fabrication, electrification, and digital solutions. The partnership aims to deploy AI-enabled software, sensors, and real-time control systems within fabrication plants to meet the rising global demand for semiconductors and autonomous platforms. The initiative focuses on centralized automation and predictive maintenance to boost equipment availability and operational efficiency.
The collaboration comes at a time when demand for semiconductors is surging in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, defense, energy, and connectivity. The partnership seeks to strengthen supply chain resilience and accelerate innovation in next-generation chip technologies. Siemens and GF plan to implement these solutions within their own operations and develop offerings that can be scaled to other sectors.
The partnership will leverage Siemens’ portfolio of industrial automation, energy management, and digitalization technologies, including advanced software for chip design, fab automation, and lifecycle management. GF will contribute its process technology and design expertise, including its subsidiary MIPS, a leader in RISC-V processor IP. The collaboration will enable the development of tailored solutions supporting autonomous platforms and physical AI chips at scale.
The CEOs of both companies emphasized the importance of the partnership in making global semiconductor supply chains more resilient and enabling efficient, localized manufacturing around the world. They highlighted the critical role of semiconductors in applications such as robotics, connectivity, and AI, and the need for secure, locally manufactured semiconductors to support the AI transition.
The partnership will have a significant impact on the semiconductor industry, with GF operating manufacturing facilities in the United States, Asia, and Europe, including Europe’s largest semiconductor production hub in Dresden, which employs around 3,000 people. The collaboration is expected to accelerate innovation and drive growth in the industry, enabling the development of next-generation chip technologies and supporting the increasing demand for semiconductors in critical areas.