Tesla Targets December Tape-Out for AI6 Chip Under $16.5B Samsung Deal
Elon Musk said Tesla could tape out its next-generation AI6 chip as soon as December, finalizing the design under a $16.5 billion Samsung supply deal. Samsung’s 2-nanometer process is set to begin mass production in the second half of 2027, enabling Tesla’s AI hardware for self-driving and humanoid robots.
1. December Tape-Out for AI6 Chip
Elon Musk teased that Tesla could complete the AI6 chip tape-out by December, marking the shift from design to manufacturing readiness. The tape-out milestone initiates the process of creating production masks and finalizing the chip layout.
2. $16.5 Billion Samsung Supply Deal
Tesla secured a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung Electronics for manufacturing its AI6 chips using a 2-nanometer process. Samsung plans volume production in the second half of 2027, leveraging its advanced node to deliver high-performance AI processors.
3. Impact on Tesla's AI and Robotics
The AI6 chip is expected to power Tesla's full self-driving software and humanoid robots, aiming to boost on-chip AI performance. Accelerated tape-out and advanced manufacturing could reduce reliance on external vendors and enhance in-house hardware capabilities.