The chipmaker's technology is at the heart of the AI ​​boom

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, who is planning a comeback for the once-dominant chipmaker, has made the case that the company's technology will be crucial to the boom. throughout the artificial intelligence computing industry.

Speaking at Intel's annual Innovation conference, Mr. Gelsinger pointed to the advances his company is making in manufacturing technology and tools for AI software developers. He said the opportunities will only increase as more artificial intelligence capabilities are powered by personal computers.

"AI represents a generational shift, creating a new era of global expansion where computing becomes the foundation for a better future for everyone," said Mr. Gelsinger . 'For developers, this creates enormous business and social opportunities to push the boundaries of what is possible, to create solutions to the world's biggest challenges.'

Mr. Gelsinger is trying to drum up interest in Intel's technology and harken back to an era when Intel's annual conferences provided a roadmap for the entire computing industry. He argued that the use of artificial intelligence will not be limited to the data centers of giant cloud providers, which rely heavily on chips from Nvidia Corp. Instead, it will expand into new areas, including the currently depressed PC market.

Intel's leader reiterated his commitment to upgrading manufacturing technology at an unprecedented pace. As part of that effort, a chip manufacturing technology called Intel 3 will be ready later this year, he said.

Intel's previous missteps created opportunities for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung Electronics Company to surpass the company in production capacity. More recently, Nvidia has gained attention as a major supplier of AI accelerators - processors that help tackle artificial intelligence workloads.

Intel has made some headway with its own acceleration efforts, Mr. Gelsinger said, and its Gaudi2 product line even has an edge in some areas.

Mr. Gelsinger also said the new Intel Core Ultra processors will include the first integrated 'Neural Processing Unit', helping to accelerate AI software in PCs. The first version of the chip will be available on computers starting in December.

In addition to trying to keep up with rivals, Mr. Gelsinger is opening up his factory network to outside customers — even as they themselves compete with Intel products. But boosting this so-called chipmaking business will require Intel to demonstrate that it has regained advanced manufacturing capabilities - something Mr. Gelsinger has promised will happen by 2025.

Software developers interested in upcoming Intel products will have an early opportunity to test their projects using the chipmaker's Developer Cloud. . That service allows users to monitor their workloads over the Internet on computers hosted on Intel servers. The idea is that customers will be better placed to accelerate that work once Intel chips become widely available.

Micah Soto

Update 20 October 2023