TSMC Co-COO Y.J. Mii stated at a forum at National Taiwan University that the company is adopting a cautious approach toward internal AI implementation. Mii described artificial intelligence as a three-year-old superman, noting that while the technology possesses significant power, it currently lacks the judgment required for high-stakes decision-making.
The company continues to manufacture chips for major clients, including Nvidia and Apple, to meet the rising demand for AI-capable hardware. TSMC is currently undergoing a significant manufacturing expansion to support these customers, who are increasingly focused on developing their own AI accelerators and custom silicon.
TSMC allows the use of AI tools for specific tasks like coding assistance and electronic design automation. However, leadership restricts AI usage in sensitive research and process development. The primary concern involves protecting proprietary manufacturing recipes and preventing data leaks through external systems.
Mii emphasized that semiconductor engineering at the leading edge involves subtle and costly tradeoffs. Because TSMC’s competitive advantage relies on unique production parameters, the company views the premature deployment of AI in core R&D as a substantial risk. The firm remains skeptical about AI's current readiness for critical development work.
