TSMC is exploring motor options for fab automation that reduce reliance on rare earths sourced from China.
The discussions concern factory automation systems used in highly automated chip plants. Industrial machinery at those facilities relies on permanent-magnet motors that use rare-earth materials. Some permanent-magnet motors can use ferrite magnets instead.
A shortage of specialized motor parts could make it harder to repair or expand TSMC’s production equipment. The effort aims to limit production-disruption risks tied to China’s export controls.
