Biden's bid to reboot US semiconductor prowess with digital twins
President Joe Biden's administration has announced a new initiative to support the American semiconductor manufacturing sector. The centrepiece of this strategy is the use of technology known as digital twins.
7 May 2024 12:42
A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object, process, or system. This technology allows for the simulation of real systems in a virtual environment, enabling data analysis and monitoring of their condition in real time. Digital twins are used to improve operations, predict the future, and manage maintenance and service. They are applied in various sectors, such as industry, construction, and medicine.
Tech Crunch said this groundbreaking technology could significantly improve manufacturing processes, such as in the automotive industry. It will enable the experimentation of new production methods without disrupting existing lines.
What funding can entities participating in this programme receive?
A total of £235 million has been allocated among institutions that will apply to participate in this programme. These funds are intended for research on the development of digital twins in the semiconductor sector, the creation of integrated virtual-physical facilities, the implementation of industrial demonstrations, the organization of employee training, and support for the activities of the newly established CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute.
Laurie E. Locascio from the National Institute of Standards and Technology emphasizes that digital twins can reduce costs associated with the development and production of semiconductors and facilitate cooperation in the design and development of integrated circuits. However, she added that no country has currently invested sufficient resources to fully exploit the potential of digital twin technology to make breakthrough discoveries.
Semiconductors production dominated
These ambitious goals are part of a broader set of actions framed by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This legal act foresees expenditures of £230 billion, of which £43.5 billion is to support the growth of domestic semiconductor production.
As President Biden rightly observed, the USA has lost its dominance in this field and currently manufactures less than 10% of the world's semiconductors. Arati Prabhakar from the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House, meanwhile, pointed out the risk associated with the concentration of semiconductor production in one region of the world—a veiled reference to China.
An online webinar is scheduled for 8th May at 9 PM GMT for organizations interested in participating in this project. During this event, they will have the opportunity to receive additional information about this initiative. Non-profit organizations, universities, and private companies registered in the USA can apply for funding within the framework of this programme.
