(Yonhap Interview) DeepX eyes '1st mover' strategy in global physical AI market through partnerships with Intel, AMD

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into physical devices, making neural processing units (NPUs) crucial for efficiently running AI workloads. DeepX, a South Korean AI chip startup, focuses on creating low-power, high-efficiency chips for edge devices. CEO Kim Lok-won discussed the company's strategic partnerships with global technology firms like Intel, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor Group.

Kim explained that these collaborations aim to integrate DeepX's NPUs with existing systems, ensuring a seamless plug-and-play experience. The partnership with Intel, in particular, will provide a streamlined connection between DeepX's chips and Intel's systems, with an initial result anticipated early next year. DeepX has already developed four AI chip types, with its flagship DX-M1 in full-scale mass production using Samsung's 5-nanometer process.

The company has received 77 purchase orders from over 10 countries in the past year and signed contracts with 27 semiconductor distributors globally. DeepX plans to expand its presence in Japan and Europe and is exploring cooperation with U.S. chipmaker AMD. Kim also mentioned that DeepX is developing software, DX-Newton, to manage robot operations using physical AI, which will be unveiled later this year.

The CEO expressed DeepX's ambition to lead the global market by securing core source technologies and establishing a first-mover strategy in the emerging physical AI market.