Samsung Signs $16.5 Billion AI Chip Production Contract with Tesla
Date: 2025-07-30 Author: Oliver Abernathy Categories: BUSINESS
Tesla has signed a $16.5 billion contract with Samsung, according to which the South Korean manufacturer's new plant in Texas will specialize in the production of AI6 AI chips. These chips are intended to become a universal solution for various Tesla areas: they will be used in Full Self-Driving (FSD) autonomous driving systems, Tesla Optimus humanoid robots, as well as in data centers for training AI models developed by the xAI division.
Elon Musk emphasized the importance of the project and said that he will personally oversee the launch of the plant and the production process to ensure maximum efficiency. According to him, the volume of chip production may significantly exceed the initially stated contract amount.
Tesla previously partnered with TSMC, which produces AI5 chips, which are used primarily for autonomous driving systems and are manufactured at factories in Taiwan and Arizona. Samsung is already responsible for the production of the previous generation, AI4.
The history of developing Tesla's own chips began after the company abandoned Nvidia in 2019. Since then, the company has created FSD Computer (Hardware 3) with Samsung, a system equipped with duplicate computing modules to improve the reliability of autonomous driving. This platform is now used in all Tesla electric vehicles.
In Tesla's strategy, the focus on developing its own AI chips is key. According to Musk, the new AI6 line will allow the company to significantly accelerate the development of technologies in the field of automotive autonomous control, robotics, and data analysis. This will strengthen Tesla's position both in the automotive industry and in the field of artificial intelligence.
The contract with Samsung provides for the possibility of expanding production, and Tesla will help optimize processes at the new Texas plant, which is located next to Elon Musk's home. This collaboration opens up new prospects for both companies and promotes the further implementation of AI in future technologies.
