AI could change the game on the forever chemicals used to make chips

The US government plans to partner with the European Union on an artificial intelligence initiative to eliminate harmful chemicals from the chip manufacturing process, according to Bloomberg.

The United States and the EU have drafted a partnership proposal in which government agencies would use AI to determine how manufacturers can remove polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) from the semiconductor manufacturing process. The proposed plan is part of broader negotiations at the US-EU Trade and Technology Council meetings taking place this week in Belgium.

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“We intend to continue working to identify opportunities for cooperation in research on alternatives to the use of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in chips,” the statement read, according to Bloomberg. “For example, we plan to explore the use of AI and digital twin capabilities to accelerate the discovery of materials suitable to replace PFAS in semiconductor manufacturing.”

PFAS, also known as “permanent chemicals,” have been used in the manufacturing process for years. However, they are almost impossible to break down and often appear in products that humans use and consume. In fact, PFAS have been found in almost every technological device, in the food humans eat, and even in their bodies, increasing potential health risks. PFAS also contribute to pollution around the world.

Bloomberg’s sources say the US and EU are concerned that China continues to invest heavily in the production of mature semiconductors that, while not powerful, are widely used in industrial and government applications. The West is reportedly concerned that, in the absence of new manufacturing processes, China could consolidate its position as the preferred location for all mature chips, creating an even larger international security problem.

Still, it’s unclear from the US and EU statement how exactly the countries plan to use AI to combat the problem. The proposed plan also does not say how long it would take to address PFAS use. In fact, the US-EU statement is decidedly short on details.

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“We intend, as appropriate, to continue to collect and share non-confidential information and market intelligence on non-market related policies and practices, commit to consulting each other on planned actions and may develop joint or cooperative measures to address distorting effects in the global supply chain for legacy semiconductors,” the agreement reportedly says.