Chinese chipmaker Hygon expands beyond data centres into robotics sector

Hygon Information Technology is preparing to unveil a new processor aimed at robotics and other physical-world applications, marking the Chinese chipmaker's push beyond its existing data centre business.

New chip targets edge computing and robotics

The upcoming release, part of Hygon's CPU1000 series, has been engineered to address "low-power, embedded and edge computing requirements" across multiple sectors. Applications include robotics, machine vision and intelligent manufacturing, according to reports published by business news outlet Jiemian News and state-backed newspaper China Securities Journal.

Physical AI refers to systems where machines interact directly with their environments, rather than processing information remotely in data centres.

Launch event planned in Shenzhen

Hygon promoted the launch event with the slogan "Let computing power reach the physical world" in a post on its official WeChat account, though the company did not provide additional details. The event is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, a major technology hub in southern China.

The expansion represents a strategic shift for Hygon, which has until now concentrated its chip development efforts on data centre infrastructure.

Source: South China Morning Post