Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) , the world’s largest contract chipmaker, reported a 54% jump in quarterly profit , surpassing forecasts, thanks to soaring demand for AI-related chips . This robust performance underscores TSMC’s dominance in producing advanced chips for AI applications, with key customers like Apple and Nvidia . TSMC's net profit for 3Q2024 reached T$325.3 billion (US$10.11 billion) , exceeding the T$300.2 billion forecasted by analysts. The company's revenue rose 36% year-on-year to US$23.5 billion , driven by strong demand for smartphone and AI chips utilizing its cutting-edge 3nm and 5nm technologies . The AI boom has been a major growth driver, with AI processors expected to account for a mid-teens percentage of TSMC's overall revenue for 2024. TSMC's capital spending for the current quarter is set to more than double to US$11.5 billion , and it expects capital expenditure to increase further in 2025 as demand remains robust. Chai
At Tesla's recent "We, Robot" showcase near Los Angeles, some capabilities of the Optimus robot prototypes were remotely controlled by humans, according to insiders. While the humanoid robots could walk autonomously using AI, employees stationed elsewhere managed interactions between the bots and attendees at the Oct 10 event.
Although Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted Optimus as potentially "the biggest product ever" and envisioned it performing household tasks like walking dogs, mowing lawns, and serving drinks, social media posts and videos revealed that some robots were being "assisted by a human." This aspect was not addressed by Musk during his presentation.
Optimus’ capabilities were showcased in various tasks like pouring drinks, giving high fives, and playing rock, paper, scissors with guests. However, the fact that some functions required remote operation raises concerns about the robot’s market readiness, despite Musk's ambitious plans to sell it for US$20,000 to US$30,000 in the future.
Originally, Optimus wasn’t supposed to feature in the event at all, but Musk reportedly requested its inclusion just three weeks prior. Due to the late notice, Tesla didn't have time to fully optimize the software, making human control necessary for certain functions.
Alongside Optimus, Tesla introduced the Cybercab robotaxi and a van concept, with attendees taking rides in autonomously driven vehicles. Despite the event’s grand setting, some attendees found it underwhelming due to the lack of technical details on the robotaxi business and autonomous driving technology.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called the event a "glimpse of the future," while Nancy Tengler of Laffer Tengler Investments said that Optimus stole the show with its human-like performance, even though some attendees, like Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management, later admitted to being "fooled" by the remote control aspect.
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