Accra:South Korean AI chip startup DeepX is positioning itself as a leader in the global physical AI market by forming strategic partnerships with major technology companies such as Intel, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor Group.

According to Yonhap News Agency, DeepX CEO Kim Lok-won highlighted the company's collaboration with Intel, which involves integrating its neural processing units (NPUs) into Intel's OpenVINO ecosystem. This partnership aims to optimize models and software development kits to provide a seamless plug-and-play experience with Intel systems, with initial outcomes expected early next year.

Since its founding in 2018, DeepX has developed several AI chips, including the flagship DX-M1, now in mass production using Samsung's 5-nanometer process. The company has seen increased demand for its chips, receiving 77 purchase orders from over 10 countries in a year and securing contracts with 27 semiconductor distributors globally.

DeepX is also exploring a partnership with AMD, following a meeting between Kim and AMD CEO Lisa Su. AMD has shown interest in building an open computing infrastructure with South Korean firms, combining various processors like GPUs and NPUs. Kim noted ongoing discussions for potential collaboration with AMD.

Further expanding its reach, DeepX plans to open branches in Japan and Europe and is set to release DX-Newton, a software for managing robot operations using physical AI, by the end of the year. This software is designed to align with Nvidia's Isaac robotics platform, aiming to efficiently distribute AI models across multiple robots.

Kim also mentioned plans for a tape-out of a new chip using Samsung's 2-nanometer process, expected to be available by March or April next year. While an initial public offering is not an immediate goal, Kim hopes to take DeepX public within three years.