Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's visit to South Korea signals a potential expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) supercycle from memory semiconductors to the AI factory sector. Companies are expected to enter a significant phase of benefiting from AI in data centers, robotics, and manufacturing.
On June 8, Huang met with leaders from major South Korean corporations, including SK, Hyundai, and LG, to discuss AI collaboration strategies. During his visit, he engaged with the local business community in informal settings, such as enjoying Korean barbecue and chicken, while also outlining specific collaboration plans with each group.
Notably, Nvidia does not view South Korea solely as a supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Analysts suggest that the capabilities of South Korean companies in memory, telecommunications, manufacturing, robotics, and internet platforms align well with Nvidia's next-generation AI strategy.
The partnership with SK is evolving beyond traditional HBM supply to include possibilities for AI infrastructure and AI cloud collaboration.
LG, with its strong presence in home appliances, automotive components, batteries, displays, and smart factories, is well-positioned for collaboration. Nvidia has identified physical AI, which applies AI to real-world robotics and factories, as a key growth driver, suggesting an increasing intersection with LG's operations.
Doosan and Naver are also included in Nvidia's plans to expand the AI ecosystem in South Korea. Doosan is expected to partner in robotics and semiconductor materials, while Naver is set to expand its partnership in building large-scale AI factories and cloud infrastructure.
Industry insiders note that Huang's direct joint announcements with South Korean companies are unusual, indicating a reassessment of South Korea as a testing ground for AI factories.
An industry source stated, "Huang's visit demonstrates that collaboration with South Korean companies is expanding beyond HBM to include data centers, robotics, and manufacturing AI in the AI factory sector. From Nvidia's perspective, South Korea is a rare partner with both memory and manufacturing capabilities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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