Semiconductor manufacturer Rohm Co. Ltd. has jointly developed an artificial intelligence (AI) chip to boost efficiency in predictive maintenance for smart factories with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR’s) Institute of Microelectronics (IME). The AI chip is expected to perform significantly faster than the conventional method for predictive maintenance, as well as reduce power consumption, paving the way for greater asset productivity and lower overall maintenance costs. Rohm has plans for the AI chip to be compatible with wireless technologies such as Wi-SUN and EnOcean, and incorporate the chip to its proprietary sensor nodes and wireless modules. “I’m exceptionally delighted that we have our first opportunity for cooperative research with A*STAR’s IME,” said Koji Taniuchi, general manager of fundamental research and development at Rohm. “Through the fusion of Rohm’s sensor technology, analog low-power technology and AI architecture with IME capabilities in low-power integrated circuit technology, we want to provide the optimum solutions for edge nodes.” “The factories of tomorrow will demand highly intelligent solutions for greater integration of their operations in a seamless network across the value chain,” said Tan Yong Tsong, executive director of IME. “Our joint research with Rohm in developing an artificial intelligence chip is an important step towards achieving greater efficiency in data transmission and analysis necessary for predictive maintenance in the era of smart manufacturing.” Designed to bridge R&D with academia and industry, A*STAR IME's mission is to add value to Singapore's semiconductor industry by developing strategic competencies, innovative technologies and intellectual property; enabling enterprises to be technologically competitive; and cultivating a technology talent pool to inject new knowledge to the industry. Its key research areas are in integrated circuits design, advanced packaging, bioelectronics and medical devices, MEMS, nanoelectronics and photonics. Rohm designs and manufactures integrated circuits, semiconductors and other electronic components.