Scaling AI in the sector that enables it: Lessons for semiconductor-device makers

Artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) has the potential to generate huge business value for semiconductor companies at every step of their operations, from research and chip design to production through sales. But our recent survey of semiconductor-device makers shows that only about 30 percent of respondents stated that they are already generating value through AI/ML. Notably, these companies have made significant investments in AI/ML talent, as well as the data infrastructure, technology, and other enablers, and have already fully scaled up their initial use cases. The other respondents--about 70 percent--are still in the pilot phase with AI/ML and their progress has stalled. We believe that the application of AI/ML will dramatically accelerate in the semiconductor industry over the next few years. Taking steps to scale up now will allow companies to capture the full benefits of these technologies. This article focuses on device makers, including integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), fabless players, foundries, and semiconductor assembly and test services, or SATS (for more information on our research, see sidebar, "Our methodology").