Sony, TSMC to jointly develop image sensors for AI era
· UPIMay 9 (Asia Today) -- Japanese electronics company Sony Group and Taiwanese chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. are moving to deepen cooperation in next-generation image sensor development and manufacturing, as competition intensifies in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technologies.
According to industry sources Friday, Sony announced during its earnings briefing a strategic partnership with TSMC to jointly develop and manufacture next-generation image sensors.
The companies are reviewing plans to install joint development facilities and production lines at Sony Semiconductor's image sensor plant in Koshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Sony also plans phased investments in its existing Nagasaki facilities, with discussions tied to potential support from the Japanese government.
Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported that the partnership could lower development and production costs for image sensors through a joint venture structure. Sony Semiconductor Solutions, a wholly owned Sony subsidiary, is reportedly expected to hold a majority stake in the venture.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions controls roughly half of the global CMOS image sensor market, supplying sensors used in smartphone cameras and autonomous vehicles. Its sensors have long been used in Apple iPhones, though analysts say Sony has faced growing pressure after Samsung Electronics recently secured image sensor orders from Apple.
Nikkei noted that Samsung's expanding influence as a memory chip supplier for AI infrastructure could strengthen its bargaining power with major technology customers, including Apple.
TSMC rarely engages in joint product development and manufacturing arrangements with customers. Industry analysts say the partnership reflects the growing importance of image sensors as the "eyes" of physical AI systems, including robots and self-driving vehicles, as companies race to secure leadership in next-generation AI semiconductor technologies.
Shinji Sashida, chief executive officer of Sony Semiconductor Solutions, said the companies would accelerate growth in next-generation image sensor technologies based on years of mutual trust and cooperation.
Kevin Zhang, a TSMC vice president, said the expanded partnership marks an important step toward advancing sensing technologies in the AI era.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260509010001953