The US played a critical role in the early development of semiconductor technology for artificial intelligence. However, a Dutch firm now holds a monopoly on the process, with Asian manufacturers dominating production. The most significant electronic devices currently are extreme ultraviolet lithography machines. These machines enable the assembly of chips that offer a significant increase in processing power, leading to a new generation of AI tools.
AI platforms such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are accelerating tasks typically performed by humans. With access to EUV technology now considered a matter of national economic security for the US and China, there is growing concern over who controls this essential technology.
As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in various industries, the demand for more powerful chips and advanced technology continues to grow. The US and China are both in a race to secure access to EUV technology to advance their AI capabilities. A reliance on foreign manufacturers for these crucial components could potentially put national security at risk.
With the rapid advancements in AI technology, having control over the production of semiconductor chips is becoming more important than ever before. The US is now working to develop its own EUV technology to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. The stakes are high as countries vie for control over the technology that will shape the future of AI.
