Sony and TSMC to invest 1 trillion in joint chip plant in Japan

Sony Semiconductor Solutions and TSMC are partnering on next-generation image sensors for robots and cars, a person familiar with the plans says. Sony Group and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. are in talks to spend a combined ¥1 trillion ($6.4 billion) on their planned joint factory in Japan, according to a person familiar with the plans. The Japanese company's chip arm Sony Semiconductor Solutions and TSMC are partnering on next-generation image sensors for robots and cars. The factory will begin production in 2029, the person said, asking not to be named because the talks are private. Representatives of Sony and TSMC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The investment under discussion, which was earlier reported by the Nikkei, is the latest in Sony's transition toward a more asset-light approach with its image sensor operations.