Hardware · Top stories
Zoox Grounds Atlanta Autonomous Vehicle Fleet After Worker Gas Exposure Reports
Zoox grounded its autonomous vehicle test fleet in Atlanta after workers reported symptoms consistent with toxic gas exposure, leading to an OSHA inquiry. This incident highlights safety challenges in the rapid expansion of autonomous vehicle testing, impacting worker well-being and operational continuity.
AMD adds GDDR7 memory support to Linux GPU drivers, indicating RDNA 5 preparation
AMD has begun integrating GDDR7 memory support and new graphics IP blocks into its open-source Linux kernel driver. This development signals software preparation for AMD's next-generation discrete GPUs, likely based on the RDNA 5 architecture.
Data Centers Explore Photonics to Replace Copper Wiring and Reduce Energy Consumption
Data centers are investigating photonics, using light instead of electricity, for internal network wiring to reduce energy consumption. This shift aims to address the significant heat generated by copper-based electrical data transfer, which requires extensive cooling.
Toyota to deploy 400,000 factory robots by 2028, training humanoid robots
Toyota plans to invest $6.42 billion annually to deploy 400,000 robots across its factories by 2028, including humanoid robots like ELEY that are being trained by human workers. The company states this initiative is for human-robot coexistence, not direct human replacement.
Nexstrom raises $12M seed round to scale 2D semiconductor manufacturing for chip fabs
Singapore-based startup Nexstrom secured a $12 million seed funding round, bringing its total funding to $15 million. The company is developing equipment and processes to enable foundries to manufacture transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors directly on 300mm wafers, addressing challenges in scaling 2D materials for chip production.
DapuStor J5060 SSD Offers Configurable pSLC Region for Faster Random Writes
DapuStor introduced a new firmware configuration for its J5060 enterprise SSD, allowing users to allocate a fixed portion of QLC flash as a faster pSLC region. This trade-off of 6% to 20% of QLC capacity significantly improves random write performance by over seven times, targeting workloads like database journals and write-ahead logs.
CXMT Begins Mass Production of 5th-Gen DRAM with Quadruple-Patterning Technology
China's CXMT has started mass production using its 5th-generation (G5) DRAM process technology, which employs quadruple-patterning lithography to achieve an 11.95nm active-area half-pitch. This new process enables 24Gb LPDDR5X devices with 50% more capacity than previous CXMT products, marking a significant advancement in China's domestic DRAM manufacturing capabilities.
New Deep-6000 Drones to Cover 98% of Oceans by 2028
Ifremer's Deep-6000 prototypes successfully completed 6,000-meter dives, enabling France to join China and the US in developing deep-sea Argo floats. This expansion will increase the international fleet of ocean-sensing drones to cover over 98% of the ocean's volume by 2028, addressing a critical data gap in deep ocean warming and exploration.
iPhone 18 Pro Max QLC NAND shows significant write speed drops under heavy load
The iPhone 18 Pro Max, which uses QLC NAND for higher storage capacities, exhibits substantial write performance degradation under sustained heavy workloads, with speeds dropping to 1.1 MB/s when storage is 60% full. This performance trade-off is due to QLC's higher data density compared to TLC, impacting users who frequently handle large files like 4K video.
Vivo Launches X500 Pro Max with 17 Stops Dynamic Range and 4K240 Slo-Mo
Vivo launched its X500 series phones in China, including the X500 Pro Max, which features Sony's Lytia L910 sensor for 17 stops of dynamic range and MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro for 4K 240fps slow-motion video. These advancements mark a notable improvement in smartphone photography and video capabilities, setting a new benchmark for flagship devices.
Chinese IMECAS develops DUV-based stacked-nanosheet GAA transistor process
The Institute of Microelectronics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMECAS) has developed an experimental process flow for stacked-nanosheet gate-all-around (GAA) transistors using immersion DUV lithography. This development demonstrates China's capability to advance semiconductor technology without relying on EUV scanners, which are restricted to them.
Apple increases iPhone prices by £100 due to memory chip shortages
Apple has raised the price of all iPhone models, including older ones, by £100 following its recent product launch. This increase is attributed to a phenomenon dubbed "RAMageddon," where the demand for memory chips for AI datacenters has led to severe shortages and a significant rise in component costs.
Bambu Lab ordered to pay Stratasys $27.6M for patent infringement on 3D printer technology
A Texas jury found Bambu Lab liable for infringing Stratasys patents related to prime towers and bed leveling in its X1, P1, and A1 series 3D printers, awarding Stratasys $27.6 million in damages. This verdict impacts Bambu Lab's older printer models and highlights ongoing intellectual property disputes in the consumer 3D printing market.
Nvidia's RTX 60 Series GPUs Potentially Delayed Until 2028, Shifting Focus to Data Center
A prominent hardware leaker suggests Nvidia's RTX 60 series consumer GPUs, based on the Rubin architecture, may not launch until 2028, a further delay from previous expectations. This potential delay indicates Nvidia is prioritizing its data center products due to high demand and resource allocation, impacting the consumer GPU release schedule.
Samsung to More Than Double HBM4 and HBM4E DRAM Output in 2025
Samsung plans to more than double its output of HBM4 and HBM4E high-bandwidth memory chips next year, increasing glass carrier demand by 2.5 times. This expansion focuses on 12-layer and higher stacks, with HBM4 family products projected to comprise 80% of Samsung's HBM shipments next year.
Researchers Develop Whisker-Based Navigation for Drones in Low-Visibility Environments
Researchers at Delft University of Technology developed a whisker-based tactile sensor system for drones, enabling navigation in dark, dusty, or smoky conditions where traditional sensors fail. This system allows sub-100 gram drones to achieve sub-millimeter precision using only 34KB of software, addressing challenges of sensor weight and environmental limitations for small autonomous robots.
Researchers Develop Electricity-Free DNA Computer Capable of 100-Bit Calculations
Researchers at Maynooth University have created a DNA molecular computer, called a Scaffolded DNA Computer (SDC), that performs complex mathematical operations without electricity. This system successfully executed 10 different molecular programs, including 100-bit calculations, by using self-assembling DNA strands. The development points to new possibilities for energy-efficient computation and long-term data storage.
CXMT Reportedly Plans 3D NAND Production for SSDs, Expanding Beyond DRAM
CXMT, China's leading DRAM producer, is reportedly planning to establish a 3D NAND R&D production line at its second manufacturing facility near Beijing, aiming to diversify into flash memory for SSDs. This move would position CXMT to compete with YMTC and global memory giants like Micron and Samsung by offering both DRAM and NAND products.
NOR Flash and SLC NAND Face Severe Undersupply Due to AI Boom's Impact on Memory Production
The AI boom is causing a severe undersupply and price surge in older memory chips like NOR flash and SLC NAND, as manufacturing capacity is redirected to more profitable HBM, DRAM, and high-capacity NAND. This shift threatens the production of everyday electronics that rely on these essential, lower-margin components. Morgan Stanley predicts NOR flash will remain undersupplied through 2026, while SLC NAND prices are expected to rise significantly.
Apple Reportedly Developing AI Server with M-series Ultra Chips for 2029 Release
Apple is reportedly developing an AI server utilizing its M-series Ultra chips, with a projected release in 2029. This move would re-enter Apple into the server market after nearly two decades, capitalizing on the current demand for Apple hardware among AI developers.
Micron announces 512GB DDR5-9200 memory modules for servers, enabling up to 12TB per server
Micron introduced its first 512GB DDR5-9200 memory module for servers, allowing systems to support up to 12TB of memory. These modules offer over 60% less operating power compared to four 128GB modules, addressing the growing memory demands of high-core-count processors and data-intensive applications like analytics and AI.
Memory Shortage Forces Device Makers to Redesign Products, Test for Fake Chips
A persistent memory shortage is compelling smaller smartphone and laptop manufacturers to alter product designs and implement rigorous testing for incoming memory chips. This situation is driven by availability issues and rising costs, with memory now accounting for up to 60% of a device's bill of materials for some companies, impacting budget-oriented products significantly.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Predicts China Will Develop Advanced Lithography by 2030
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated that China will develop its own advanced lithography tools by 2030, citing the country's high-volume production capabilities. This prediction suggests a future shift in the global semiconductor manufacturing landscape, potentially reducing China's reliance on foreign technology for chip production.
Micron Offers $31,650 Bonus to Taiwan Employees; Unions Reject Offer, Demand Profit-Sharing
Micron announced a one-time cash bonus of NT$1 million (US$31,650) for its Taiwan-based employees as part of a record compensation package, following significant profits from AI memory chip sales. However, unions representing 10,000 of Micron's 15,000 Taiwan workforce rejected the offer, calling it a distraction and demanding a transparent profit-sharing system, after earlier strike threats and failed mediation.
HP ZGX Fury AI Station with NVIDIA GB300 Superchip Now Available for Order
HP's ZGX Fury AI station, featuring the NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Desktop Superchip and 748GB of unified memory, is now available for order. This system is positioned as a shared inference box for departments or branch offices, capable of handling trillion-parameter inference and fine-tuning 100 billion parameter models.
Starlink Satellites Leak Radio Frequencies, Threatening Radio Astronomy Projects
Starlink satellites are emitting unintended radio leakage across critical frequencies, interfering with radio astronomy projects like the Square Kilometre Array Low (SKA-Low). This leakage, detected by a Curtin University team, is significantly stronger than the cosmic signals astronomers aim to detect, potentially rendering specific frequency bands unusable for scientific research.
Dell Raises Fiscal 2027 Forecast on Strong AI Server Sales, Shares Up 9%
Dell Technologies reported fiscal second-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded analyst expectations, driven by significant growth in its Infrastructure Solutions Group, particularly AI-optimized servers. The company subsequently raised its full-year and fiscal 2027 financial forecasts, indicating continued strong demand for its data center hardware. This performance highlights the increasing market demand for AI infrastructure, benefiting hardware providers like Dell.
Sanctioned Chinese Supercomputer Maker Sugon's ParaStor F9000 Removed from IO500 Production List
The IO500 Committee moved Sugon's ParaStor F9000 storage systems from its Production IO500 list to the Research list due to a lack of architectural details and general availability. This change restored Intel's Aurora to the top spot on the Production list, impacting the ranking of high-performance computing storage systems.
Arizona faces significant water reduction impacting chip manufacturing expansion
Arizona will lose over a quarter of its Colorado River water supply, impacting the state's chip manufacturing industry, including expansions by TSMC and Intel. This water scarcity will increase costs for manufacturers and residents, raising concerns about resource allocation and infrastructure funding.
AMD Achieves Record X86 CPU Market Share in Q2 2026 Amidst Overall Market Growth
AMD reached its highest-ever x86 processor market share in Q2 2026, capturing 34.1% of the market including IoT and console SoCs, and 30.7% excluding them. This growth occurred as the overall CPU market saw a 10% sequential increase in unit shipments, driven by strong demand in data center and laptop segments, despite a decline in desktop CPU sales.
Asus Receives FCC Conditional Approval for Router Sales in the US
The FCC granted conditional approval to Asus for its entire wireless networking product portfolio, allowing continued sales in the US market. This approval enables Asus to proceed with its plans for upcoming Wi-Fi 8 product releases, while competitor TP-Link remains without approval.
China's Biren Technology Reports Nearly 2,000% Revenue Growth in H1 2026
Chinese AI accelerator supplier Biren Technology reported a 1,998% year-over-year revenue increase in the first half of 2026, reaching $183.9 million. This growth follows the cessation of AI GPU supplies from American companies like Nvidia to China due to export controls, creating a demand for domestic alternatives.
Chinese High-Purity Quartz Approved for Semiconductor Equipment and DRAM Manufacturing
Jiangsu Pacific Quartz, a Chinese high-purity quartz producer, has received certification for its materials in domestic DRAM manufacturing, likely CXMT, and supplies major chipmaking tool companies. This development signifies China's progress in establishing a domestic supply chain for semiconductor components, though it still relies on foreign sources for ultra-high-purity quartz crucibles used in wafer production.
OpenAI to Outsource Next-Gen AI Processor Production to Samsung Foundry, Alongside TSMC
OpenAI plans to use Samsung Foundry for the production of its next-generation AI processors, in addition to its existing partnership with TSMC. This dual-sourcing strategy indicates OpenAI's need for high-volume chip production for its AI accelerators.
Apple acquires Sonera, a company developing chip-based magnetic sensors for brain activity
Apple acquired Sonera, a company specializing in chip-based magnetic sensors that non-invasively measure magnetic fields generated by the body, including neural activity. This acquisition, revealed through EU filings, could enable new types of consumer wearables capable of reading brain activity without direct skin contact.
NEC Reportedly Exits Quantum Computing Hardware Development, Shifts Focus to Applications
NEC has reportedly ceased development of quantum computing hardware as of March 2026, with many researchers moving to Fujitsu. The company will now concentrate on evaluating practical applications and industrialization of quantum technologies. This shift indicates NEC's conclusion that hardware development would not yield adequate returns in the near term, despite its historical contributions to the field.
Intel processes over one million High-NA EUV wafers, plans larger 6x12 photomasks
Intel announced it has processed over one million 300-mm wafers using High-NA EUV scanners, exceeding the combined total of the rest of the industry. The company is also developing larger 6x12-inch photomasks to eliminate stitching for full-field exposures, which currently reduces throughput and design flexibility.
Arm launches Neoverse CSS N4 'Ranger' platform with up to 128 cores on TSMC N3P
Arm introduced its next-generation Neoverse CSS N4 platform, codenamed 'Ranger,' which supports up to 128 cores per die and is built on TSMC's N3P process. This platform offers significant performance and efficiency upgrades over its predecessor, impacting cloud and data center infrastructure development.
Tesla Model 3 with driver-assist engaged ran stop sign, killing one in New Jersey
A Tesla Model 3, with its driver-assist system confirmed as engaged, ran a stop sign in Buena Vista Township, New Jersey, resulting in a fatal collision with a Honda Civic. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the capabilities and safety of Tesla's driver-assist technologies, particularly in urban driving scenarios.
xTool Unveils X1 Modular Laser System Supporting Multiple Laser Types
xTool announced the X1, a modular laser system that supports CO2, Diode, UV, Fiber, and MOPA lasers, and features a dual-head galvo and CO2 laser configuration. This system combines gantry-like size with galvo speed, offering versatility for various material processing tasks.