Kim Young-han, CEO of Gauss Labs, "Applying AI to Semiconductor Processes, High Expected Benefits and Efficiency"

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Gauss Labs, SK Group's first artificial intelligence (AI) specialized company, is developing AI solutions to solve challenges in SK Hynix's semiconductor manufacturing process and enhance efficiency. Gauss Labs plans to double its workforce by the end of the year to accelerate development.

On the 29th, Kim Young-han, CEO of Gauss Labs, said through the SK Hynix newsroom, "As semiconductor technology continues to become more precise and complex, the expected effects and efficiency of applying AI will be very significant," adding, "If we can solve problems in the semiconductor field, which is more sophisticated and reliable compared to other manufacturing sectors, it will be possible to expand the scope to other fields." CEO Kim also stated, "Starting with SK Hynix, we aim to expand our business to SK Group's manufacturing affiliates and grow into an industrial AI specialized company encompassing global manufacturing."

Kim Young-han, CEO of Gauss Labs / Photo by SK Hynix

Since its launch in September last year, Gauss Labs has been developing AI solutions that maximize production efficiency by utilizing the vast data generated at SK Hynix's manufacturing sites. SK Hynix is promoting the intelligence and optimization of the entire semiconductor production process, including process management, yield prediction, equipment maintenance, material measurement, defect inspection, and defect prevention through this.

Currently, Gauss Labs is developing three solutions: ▲Automatic Image Metrology for Semiconductor (AIMS), ▲Virtual Metrology (VM), and △Statistical Process Control (SPC). First, AIMS is a solution that innovates metrology based on image data. It automatically detects wafer defects using computer vision technology based on millions of images generated daily in the semiconductor process. VM technology is a virtual metrology solution that maximizes the efficiency of measuring equipment by providing engineers with necessary measurement values using equipment sensor data. SPC is a monitoring solution that analyzes abnormalities in the process or potential equipment issues using machine learning techniques and alerts users.

Gauss Labs' organization is broadly divided into an R&D team that researches and develops AI solutions and a PMO (Program Management Office) team that commercializes AI solutions. Recently, experts from various fields have been recruited externally to strengthen the organization's expertise. The R&D team is led by Yoon Sung-hee, formerly of Amazon, and the PMO team is led by Kim Moo-sung, who has engineering experience at SK Hynix and Intel.

Currently, Gauss Labs has a total of 22 members working, and plans to increase the workforce to 50 by the end of this year, combining the US headquarters and the Korean office. Hiring in the US, which was delayed due to COVID-19, will resume from June. A Gauss Labs official said, "Semiconductors and AI are the most important technologies determining national competitiveness and the driving forces of the Fourth Industrial Revolution era," adding, "If you build your capabilities by solving on-site challenges at Gauss Labs, you can become a key talent needed worldwide."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.