The company plans to use robots and artificial intelligence to create a fully automated production line for manufacturing 2-nanometer (nm) chips, primarily for advanced AI applications.

Prototyping of the 2-nm chips is scheduled to begin next year, but mass production, however, won't commence until 2027 at the earliest.

The automation implemented by Rapidus aims to significantly reduce production times, allowing chips to be delivered in just one-third of the time compared to competitors.

The external structure of the fab is expected to be completed by October this year.

EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography tools are set to arrive in December, further enhancing the production process.

By fully automating all stages of chip production, Rapidus aims for higher efficiency.

Rapidus Corporation President Atsuyoshi Koike said this approach will yield better performance and faster turnaround times for their 2-nm products than other companies.

Rapidus faces a time gap; it lags behind rivals TSMC and Samsung, who plan to start 2-nm chip production in 2025.

Meanwhile the AI accelerator market is projected to grow significantly this year. Rapidus could gain a competitive edge if it can deliver chips faster without compromising quality.

Rapidus requires $14 billion for prototyping in 2025 and at least $20 billion for mass production.

While the government might stump up with some cash, Rapidus is on the back foot because it is less well known.