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Japan's tech scene is far from over. SoftBank's multi-billion yen gamble is shaking things up! A former Sharp LCD panel factory, once a symbol of Japan's manufacturing prowess, is getting a spectacular makeover. It's set to become a cutting-edge data center, the driving force behind SoftBank and OpenAI's groundbreaking AI initiatives. Image note: Image generated by AI, licensed through Midjourney. This data center is no ordinary facility; it will be the powerhouse running the advanced AI agents jointly developed by SoftBank and leading AI innovator OpenAI.

A major transformation is underway in Japan's display industry. Sharp Corporation, once a giant in large LCD panel production for televisions, completely ceased production at its Sakai Display Products Corporation (SDP) in 2024, marking the end of an era for large-size LCD panel manufacturing in Japan. However, the once-dormant factory is poised for a new life. According to the Nikkei Shimbun, SoftBank Group officially signed an agreement this Friday to invest approximately 100 billion yen (approximately 4.877 billion yuan) to acquire this Sharp facility in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

Amid the increasing importance of industrial automation and smart manufacturing, the startup Augury has announced the successful raising of $75 million, achieving a valuation of over $1 billion. This funding will be used to attract new customers and further develop its core technology. Augury specializes in using artificial intelligence to monitor machine operating conditions, promptly identifying equipment failures and maintenance needs by measuring various factors such as vibration, sound, and temperature. Since its establishment, Augury has monitored over 500 million hours of machine operations, covering a wide range of equipment manufacturers and processing methods.

Amid growing attention in the industrial robotics sector, Augury has recently announced the successful funding of $75 million, with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. As a startup focused on developing AI hardware, Augury's technology can detect equipment failures and their causes in real-time, helping manufacturers reduce downtime and improve productivity. In an interview, Augury's CEO and founder, Saar Yoskovitz, revealed that the company's AI system has monitored over 500 million...

Recently, globally renowned chip manufacturers TSMC and Samsung have been actively discussing plans to build a large semiconductor factory in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is reported that this project may involve multiple factories, with a total investment exceeding $100 billion, funded by the UAE, while the United States will oversee the operations of the factories. Image source note: Image generated by AI, image licensed from service provider Midjourney. Additionally, Samsung is also considering the establishment of new chip factories in the UAE in the coming years.

Sam Altman is advancing a large-scale global AI infrastructure plan aimed at supporting AI development by establishing data centers in multiple U.S. states, enhancing energy supply, and boosting semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The plan is expected to cost several billion dollars, seeking support from the U.S. government, and aims to form a coalition of global investors. Investors from Canada, South Korea, Japan, and the UAE are also considering participation. OpenAI is undergoing a new round of funding, targeting to raise several billion dollars, aiming to increase its valuation to $100 billion.

Anduril, founded by Palmer Luckey, has recently secured $1.5 billion in investment and plans to establish a smart factory for the production of autonomous weapons and advanced battlefield technologies, aiming for an annual output of tens of thousands of units. The company aims to create a highly efficient manufacturing platform similar to Tesla's, optimizing weapon system design and operation through AI technology to enhance combat efficiency and reshape military strategy. Anduril's rise has garnered significant attention in the defense technology sector, signaling a revolutionary change in the integration of technology and military.

Google researchers warn that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is endangering the internet with fake content, as Google plays a dual role in this 'war of truth': both as a promoter and a creator. AI misinformation, such as absurd suggestions like 'gluing pizza' or 'eating stones', ultimately requires manual removal. Abuse methods include the manipulation of human likenesses and the fabrication of evidence, primarily aimed at influencing public opinion, fraud, or profit. Although the risks do not yet pose an existential threat, they are becoming increasingly severe, with misuse cases primarily consisting of routine operations that disrupt the normal use of systems, accounting for 90%.

Italian company Piaggio has introduced a factory robot named 'kilo' that can carry up to 130 kg and navigate safely in complex environments. It is first applied in the Moto Guzzi production line and will later be used across multiple factories, marking an important step for Piaggio towards industrial automation.

Intel announced its '10X Moonshot' plan during a closed-door event, aiming to promote the deployment of artificial intelligence and Cobots to influence every aspect of company operations. The 10A process is expected to be in production by the end of 2027.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is in discussions with chip manufacturer TSMC to launch an AI chip manufacturing factory. The plan aims to raise billions of dollars. Altman is also in talks with one of Abu Dhabi's wealthiest individuals, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, to collaborate with TSMC in raising billions to support this initiative.

Thomson Reuters recently launched a feature called 'AI Skill Factory,' allowing non-engineers to build new AI tools. This platform aims to enable professionals in fields such as law, tax, and business to experiment safely and develop AI skills without coding. The goal is to broaden the pool of employees participating in innovation by simplifying complexity, enabling domain experts to more quickly contribute to creating solutions.