China's Unitree Robotics has slashed its humanoid robot prices sharply, in stark contrast to the industrial robot market, where prices have remained stable, and orders have continued climbing to record highs. The divergence has intensified debate over whether AI robots will first break through via humanoid or non-humanoid models.
Demand for high-end fiberglass cloth is surging on the AI boom, and orders from copper-clad laminate (CCL) customers are leaving the world's two largest suppliers, Nittobo and Taiwan Glass, short of capacity. In particular, low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and low Dk2 products remain the tightest, with supply-demand gaps now expected to last through 2027.
AI-driven memory price spikes are presenting a challenge for Samsung's smartphone business, with rising component prices eroding the affordability of its budget phones. At the same time, Samsung is seeking to use its new AI features to encourage new device purchases as memory prices dampen smartphone sales globally.
Taiwan's investment office, InvesTaiwan, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has approved expanded Taiwan investment plans from four companies, led by MSScorps, which will invest NT$1.5 billion (US$47.4 million) and is filing for the third time. The company plans to add production lines and adopt AI technology at its Hsinchu, Tai Yuen Hi-Tech Industrial Park, and Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) facilities.
Taiwan-based Tongtai Machine & Tool is accelerating its transformation toward high-value manufacturing, leveraging growing opportunities in AI servers, semiconductors and aerospace. At its annual general meeting on June 17, shareholders approved all proposals and elected a new board that includes several aerospace industry veterans, underscoring the company's commitment to expanding into advanced manufacturing sectors despite a challenging operating environment.
General Biologicals (GBC) held its shareholders' meeting on the 17th, saying the group is moving from restructuring into scaled, international growth. The precision medicine company is betting on clear long-term demand in global precision medicine, smart healthcare, and regenerative medicine as it expands its CLIA/AIO systems, circulating tumor cell (CTC) testing technology, Oh care brand, and overseas footprint.
China has launched a probe into a Beidou high-precision smart monitoring project in Shandong, after reports of severe construction defects at the base sparked public concern over the quality of new infrastructure projects. The project, with a total investment of nearly CNY300 million (US$44.4 million), has drawn scrutiny after its base structures were described as "easy to tear apart by hand."
China Electric, which sells lighting products under the TOA brand, is aiming for a 2026 turnaround by reversing second-quarter losses, activating assets, and leasing existing factories, while also expanding into retail channels and contract manufacturing in the second half of the year.
Taiwan optical leader Largan Precision has disclosed an equipment order worth about NT$650 million (US$20.6 million) from Chinese laser-processing equipment maker Han's Laser Technology Industry Group. DIGITIMES has exclusively confirmed with sources inside Han's Laser that the equipment covers automation and glass solutions.
