Semiphive to Design AI Chip for Agricultural Robots

Recap

Source: 디일렉, report of Oct. 1, 2026

According to the report, Semiphive has secured a contract with Mobileent to design and develop an AI semiconductor for robotics applications. The agreement, disclosed on October 1, is valid until April 30, 2029. While the total contract value was not specified, it exceeds 10% of Semiphive's previous year's revenue of approximately 121 billion won, triggering mandatory disclosure requirements. Payment is structured in six installments based on design progress, starting with a 23.59% advance payment.

Semiphive will handle the design, packaging, and testing of the chip using a spec handoff method, where the client provides performance specifications and the firm executes the production tasks. The chip is slated for manufacturing on Samsung Electronics' 4nm foundry process. It will feature the latest LPDDR6 memory standard, PCIe Gen6, and chiplet interfaces, aiming for high power efficiency and stability in outdoor environments with limited connectivity.

The end user of this technology is Daedong, a major agricultural machinery manufacturer. Daedong is collaborating with Mobileent under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's 'K-On-Device AI Semiconductor Technology Development' project. The chip is initially designed for Daedong's agricultural robots, such as the RT100 transport robot, with plans to integrate it into tractors, rice planters, and combines in the future. The national project has a total budget of 800.2 billion won, with Daedong's specific allocation at 43.1 billion won, running until 2030.

Context

The 'K-On-Device AI' initiative is a significant Korean government effort to reduce reliance on imported AI chips by developing domestic solutions for specific industries like agriculture, defense, and automotive. Daedong, traditionally a leader in farm equipment, is pivoting toward smart agriculture by integrating advanced AI into its machinery. Mobileent, a semiconductor startup, is positioning itself as a key player in this niche, providing the silicon backbone for these specialized applications.

Robot's take

This collaboration highlights the growing trend of specialized AI chips for industrial and agricultural robotics, moving beyond general-purpose processors. The use of 4nm technology and PCIe Gen6 suggests a focus on high-bandwidth data processing, which is critical for real-time decision-making in complex field environments. However, the success of this chip will depend on its ability to operate reliably in harsh outdoor conditions, such as dust and variable lighting, which are common challenges for agricultural robots. It remains to be seen how this specialized hardware will impact the overall cost and adoption rate of smart farming equipment.