Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, revealed on the X platform that due to the acceleration of AI-assisted design, Tesla's sixth-generation dedicated AI chip, AI6, is expected to complete tape-out by December of this year.
Performance Leap: Single Chip Challenging Dual Chip Systems
Musk is confident about the performance of the new hardware and emphasized the importance of hardware-software co-design:
Double the Efficiency: At the same process node, the performance of a single AI6 chip is expected to match that of a dual-chip system composed of two AI5 chips.
Collaborative Optimization: Tesla's entire AI software stack aims to maximize circuit efficiency, achieving deep integration between hardware and algorithms.
Application Scenarios: Although AI5/AI6 can be used in data centers, they are primarily optimized for edge computing for Optimus humanoid robots and Robotaxi (driverless taxis).
Manufacturing Layout: Using Samsung's 2nm Process
The timeline and production details for AI6 have been clarified:
Foundry Collaboration: Tesla has signed a multi-year agreement worth $16.5 billion with Samsung Electronics, which will continue until the end of 2033.
Mass Production Schedule: AI6 will use Samsung's second-generation 2nm (SF2P) process, expected to go into mass production in 2027 and be officially launched in 2028.
Manufacturing Location: The chip will be produced exclusively by Samsung's new super factory in Taylor, Texas, USA.
While sharing technological advancements, Musk also shared his views on industry competition and future limitations:
Support for NVIDIA: Musk publicly expressed his admiration for Huang Renxun, stating that NVIDIA's market value is well-deserved. He confirmed that SpaceX and Tesla will continue to purchase large quantities of NVIDIA chips.
Shift in Limiting Factors: He predicted that the limiting factors for AI development on Earth are shifting from "chips" to "energy"; once stars in space are developed, the limiting factors will return to chips.
Global Competitive Landscape: Musk believes Google will win the Western AI competition, China will win the Earth's competition, and SpaceX will win the space competition.
Currently, Tesla's AI5 chip is nearing completion, and although AI6 is still in its early stages, Musk has set an ambitious goal of completing a design cycle every nine months. Subsequently, series AI7 to AI9 will also be released.
