SK hynix Expands AI Use in Chip Manufacturing with Gauss Labs.

Seoul, South Korea - SK hynix Inc is expanding its use of artificial intelligence in semiconductor production, the South Korean chipmaker said on Tuesday, as it adopts an updated virtual metrology solution from industrial AI firm Gauss Labs.

Gauss Labs has released version 2.0 of its Panoptes VM product, introducing new features to improve accuracy and usability in chip manufacturing processes.

SK hynix, which began using Panoptes VM 1.0 in its thin film deposition process last December, reported a 29% improvement in process variability and enhanced yield rates. 

The company now plans to extend the AI solution to its etching process.

The updated Panoptes VM 2.0 includes multi-step modeling, operation-group modeling, and automatic model selection capabilities. 

These features aim to enhance prediction accuracy and ease of use compared to the previous version.

The company said that SK hynix intends to integrate the virtual measurement results with its Advanced Process Control (APC) system.

Gauss Labs, founded in 2020 and based in Silicon Valley, develops AI solutions for manufacturing data intelligence. 

Mike Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Gauss Labs, said the company plans to expand into the global industrial AI market, leveraging its experience in the semiconductor industry.

Adopting AI in chip manufacturing comes as semiconductor firms face pressure to improve yields and reduce costs amid growing demand for advanced chips.