09 September 2024
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, recently honored as one of this year’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) laureates, highlighted Taiwan’s crucial role in the AI-driven robotics era. In his acceptance speech, Huang emphasized that “everything Nvidia makes begins in Taiwan,” reflecting on the deep-rooted partnership between Nvidia and Taiwan.
During a ceremony held on Friday in Hsinchu, Huang shared his appreciation for Taiwan’s significant impact on Nvidia’s journey, dating back to his first visit in 1995 to meet Morris Chang and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which he credits with altering Nvidia’s trajectory. He acknowledged Taiwan’s role in shaping Nvidia’s modern supply chain and contributing to the development of PC gaming markets and AI supercomputers.
Huang praised Taiwan’s ongoing collaboration with Nvidia to “invent the future of robotic factories,” presenting it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the country. He noted two major shifts in the computer industry: accelerated computing, which promises reduced costs and energy use, and generative AI, which transforms various computing applications, from language understanding to robotics.
Generative AI is expanding market opportunities and driving automation in global industries valued at $100 trillion, with Taiwan’s significant role in chip and computer industries positioning it for substantial growth. Huang foresaw AI-driven robotics as the next major advancement, providing Taiwan with a unique opportunity to leverage its manufacturing prowess.
Huang also recognized ITRI’s foundational role in Taiwan’s chip and computer sectors and anticipated ITRI’s continued influence in advancing AI and robotics research in Taiwan.
The other ITRI laureates this year include AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su, GlobalWafers CEO Doris Hsu, Acer CEO Jason Chen, and Chen Shih-ann, superintendent of Taichung Veterans General Hospital. The honor acknowledges individuals whose exceptional contributions have significantly advanced industrial technology.
