C.C.Wei and Elon Musk hooking up on robots

C.C. Wei and Elon Musk have been cosying up on multifunctional robots, reports the Nikkei.

Earlier today Wei told delegates to the Taiwan National Science and Technology Conference: “One area I would point out is multifunctional robots, which is the critical direction for the future. I just spoke to the richest man in the world a few days ago, and he told me that multifunctional robots are the most critical area and that he is dedicating great efforts to it, rather than to cars.”

Musk is supposed to be launching a multifunctional humanoid robot called Optimus (pictured) in 2026.

Wei said he’d told the unnamed ‘richest man in the world’: “If you are willing to pay us, then please don’t worry too much. I will make sure you get the chips.”

Wei added that two other areas that are going to be big are drones and AI applications in utilities like water and electricity provision.

“Drones are a sector we have a good advantage in, and we have to focus on how to integrate precision machinery and software in this,” said Wei, “it is a very critical area and has a wide range of applications to help people in the future do various measurements, conduct various services and carry products.”

On applying AI to the utilities, Wei said: ‘At TSMC, we’ve successfully implemented AI to boost production efficiency, saving billions of dollars. This potential is immense, and all industries, including the government, should harness the power of AI.”