The recent craze for OpenClaw "lobster raising" in China has sparked massive token consumption, with Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC) calling it the first killer app of AI agents. In response, Phison teamed up with Intel to introduce a "hybrid lobster solution" that addresses soaring cloud costs and security risks, selling out its initial batch on Chinese e-commerce platforms.
SoftBank Group Corp. has secured a US$40 billion bridge loan to support its ongoing investment in US artificial intelligence developer OpenAI, marking one of the largest dollar-denominated borrowings in the Japanese conglomerate's history. The unsecured loan, arranged with JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., and MUFG Bank, is set to mature on March 25, 2027, according to Jiji Press, The Japan Times, Reuters, and TechCrunch.
Taiwan's premier Cho Jung-tai has unveiled a new list of 13 strategic industries. The lineup includes silicon photonics (SiPh), quantum technology, and unmanned vehicles. Quantum technology currently remains confined to academic and research labs, with no established industry or startups in Taiwan. Even so, the announcement signals that industrial support programs may be on the way.
Advantech vice president Magic Pao warned at AI EXPO 2026 that edge AI's imminent rapid exponential growth will reshape enterprise computing and safety worldwide. While cloud generative AI currently commands greater attention draws more attention, widespread edge deployment poses different, distinct infrastructural and regulatory challenges that will affect industries from manufacturing to healthcare and safety.
Aten International reported revenue gains early in the year on the back of AI data-center demand and outlined plans to expand rack offerings and enter consumer electronics — moves that could alter its product mix and compress gross margins in the near term.
China's Ministry of Commerce has launched an investigation into what it describes as US trade barriers affecting green products, citing domestic trade law provisions that allow authorities to examine restrictive measures imposed by other countries.
Thermoplastic composites have emerged as key materials in manufacturing worldwide, as production trends toward lightweighting and automation. With competition in the field now intensifying, both the US and China are accelerating the development of relevant supply chains, with the aim of rapidly boosting market penetration through government policies and expanding application scenarios.
Below are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of March 23-27, 2026:
Swancor Holding's subsidiary, Swancor Robotech, on March 27, opened an intelligent robot application demonstration center in Neihu, Taipei, highlighting progress in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity into its TaiiBot platform. The company aims to manufacture lightweight, 100% recyclable AI robots to accelerate large-scale industrial applications.
Artificial intelligence is entering a new phase centered on agentic systems, with momentum shifting from digital environments to real-world applications. Speaking at the DIGITIMES AI Expo on March 26, Aurotek said the industry focus is no longer limited to model capability, but is moving toward enabling AI to operate in physical settings such as factories, logistics and service environments.
Apple plans to open its Siri voice assistant to rival artificial intelligence (AI) services, moving beyond its partnership with OpenAI, according to Bloomberg and Reuters.
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