Elon Musk has said that Tesla Inc. is set to launch its ambitious artificial intelligence chip manufacturing project, known as the Terafab, within seven days, according to a report originally published by Reuters.
Musk made the remarks while outlining the company’s plans to strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities as part of its autonomous driving strategy.
The report said Tesla is currently developing its fifth-generation AI chip to support its self-driving technology and broader AI ambitions.
Musk had earlier indicated that Tesla may need to establish a large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facility to meet its growing chip requirements.
“You know, maybe we’ll, we’ll do something with Intel,” Musk had said previously, referring to potential collaboration with Intel Corporation.
“We haven’t signed any deal, but it’s probably worth having discussions with Intel,” he had said.
According to Reuters, Tesla is also working with major semiconductor manufacturers including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung Electronics for chip production.
The chips are expected to power Tesla’s autonomous driving systems, including its Full Self-Driving software.
Highlighting supply constraints, Musk had earlier said: “Even when we extrapolate the best-case scenario for chip production from our suppliers, it’s still not enough.”
He added: “So I think we may have to do a Tesla terafab. It’s like giga but way bigger. I can’t see any other way to get to the volume of chips that we’re looking for. So I think we’re probably going to have to build a gigantic chip fab. It’s got to be done.”
