Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has raised concerns about developing countries adopting Chinese AI models, mostly because of cost. According to Business Insider, Schmidt stated on a podcast that many US AI models are closed-source and expensive, pushing budget-conscious nations toward Chinese AI, which is often free and risks becoming the global standard.

Debate has recently emerged regarding whether the prospects for humanoid robots are more hype than reality, with recent reports from industry insiders in China noting that US investors have visited China-based suppliers for several well-known brands, only to find production capacity expansions despite an absence of materialized orders. These reports follow news that Tesla has delayed mass production of its humanoid robots, further fueling skepticism about the sector's near-term viability.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently stated in an interview that Microsoft can access OpenAI's model research outcomes. System-level innovations developed by OpenAI can also be fully leveraged by Microsoft, which can implement these designs first for OpenAI and then extend or adapt them to its own purposes. Going forward, Microsoft will be able to share OpenAI's proprietary chip-related technologies and use them as a foundation to adjust or expand its own application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip development.

Taiwan's Academia Sinica has unveiled its quantum chip fabrication platform (QC-Fab) and quantum computing test platform (QC-Test), marking a major step in the nation's push into quantum technology. QC-Fab began trial operations in September 2025, while QC-Test is expected to open for trials in 2026. A 10-qubit quantum computer chip under in-house development is slated for deployment in the first half of 2026.

IP provider Ceva held its Technology Symposium this week in Hsinchu, showcasing multiple edge AI technology solutions co-developed with partner IC design houses. Ceva chief strategy officer Iri Trashanski stated that the future potential of the edge AI market is enormous.

As rack-level power consumption and cooling requirements rise in data centers, Taiwanese microcontroller (MCU) suppliers are innovating in power-supply and cooling-fan controls. Nuvoton Technology recently introduced an integrated baseboard management controller (BMC). Additionally, Holtek is upgrading server-fan solutions and expects major growth in brushless DC motor (BLDC) applications.

As the integration of production technology advances, the demand for humanoid robots and robotic dogs is growing, with the reducer—a key component known for its high gross margin and technical challenges—emerging as a competitive focus among Taiwanese and Chinese manufacturers. This competition underscores quality control and mass production capabilities.

Stratio, a Korean deep-tech startup founded by three Stanford Ph.D. graduates, is introducing what it claims is the first germanium-based short-wave infrared sensor designed for large-scale commercial use. During a live pitch session in Pangyo, the company said its "infrared AI" can solve problems that traditional vision AI and standard cameras cannot, including identifying mixed plastics inside recycling facilities, detecting narcotics, and enabling new capabilities inside future smartphones.

Transmission component maker Hiwin Technologies has positioned itself as a key player in Taiwan's humanoid robot supply chain, with its robotics business expected to exceed 10% of group revenue in 2026, according to chairman Eddie Chuo. Additionally, Chuo noted that Hiwin is in contact with all major contract manufacturers aiming to enter the humanoid robot market.

Shuang Bang anticipates demand for its three main product lines to rebound in 2026 amid easing US reciprocal tariffs and depleted brand inventories, with a cautiously optimistic view on overall performance. The company foresees a sales recovery during the peak season in the first half of 2026, President Hsu Yu-Chuan said.

The demand for liquid cooling in AI server racks is soaring, driving significant operational growth for Taiwanese cooling module manufacturer Auras Technology. Chairman Yu-shen Lin said that liquid cooling will be a major growth driver in 2026, with rising needs not only from Nvidia but also Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) servers. The company estimates that revenue will grow by more than 50% in 2026.