Intel and MediaTek this week announced a major new foundry partnership, in which MediaTek will manufacture chips targeting Internet of Things (IoT) and edge applications using Intel Foundry Services’ (IFS) advanced process technologies. This new strategic partnership is not only a significant win for both parties but will also have profound impacts on the global chipset supply chain and U.S. chipset ecosystem, significantly helping these industries in their efforts to delocalize manufacturing processes away from Asian (Chinese) dominance and closer to American Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
The modern manufacturer has a plethora of advanced technology options to choose from. For example, mobile robots can streamline assembly line processes and simulation software can shape the product or process design. Although the COVID-19 pandemic may have put a hold on heavy investment from some companies, the hiatus was just temporary. Whether it’s pressure from the competition, workplace safety, government regulation, or something else entirely, manufacturers have been and will continue to be one of the most significant market opportunities for technology vendors.