US and EU to Use AI to Seek Alternatives to "Forever Chemicals" in Chip Production
The European Union and the United States have agreed to utilize artificial intelligence in the search for replacements for persistent chemicals widely used in semiconductor manufacturing. This agreement is part of the outcomes of the US-EU Joint Trade and Technology Council meeting held this week in Leuven, Belgium, as reported by Bloomberg.
Both parties have committed to exploring the potential of using artificial intelligence in research for alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in microchips. They believe that such technologies will help identify alternative materials to replace PFAS in semiconductor production.
It's worth noting that PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," have raised concerns due to their impact on the environment in both the US and Europe. These substances are extensively used in industry but do not degrade over time and can accumulate in human bodies and the environment.
In addition to seeking alternatives for PFAS, the US and EU have agreed to cooperate in monitoring the market for obsolete or low-productivity semiconductors. Discussions are ongoing regarding concerns that increased Chinese investments in such microchips could distort the market or create critical dependencies.
"We intend, as necessary, to continue to gather and share non-confidential information and analytical data on non-market policies and practices, commit to consulting each other on planned actions, and may develop joint or cooperative measures to address distorting effects on the global supply chain of obsolete semiconductors," the US and EU said in a joint statement.
The parties have also agreed to extend for three years the mechanism for early detection of supply chain violations and the exchange of data on government support for the semiconductor industry.
Recall that The Gaze reported that Elon Musk announced the first successful implantation of Neuralink's wireless brain chip in a human. The goal of the experiment is to connect the human brain to a computer. Neuralink states that they aim to help people cope with complex neurological disorders in this way.