A semiconductor plant relies on spectacular lithography tools and on small driverless vehicles. On 22 October, the FCC granted Intel a one-year waiver for certain foreign equipment.

Old but indispensable robots

Intel has used the vehicles for more than two decades. It argued that replacement would take years and could disrupt US chip manufacturing. The FCC limited the exception to one year to avoid a sudden interruption.

Intel has used the vehicles for more than two decades. It argued that replacement would take years and could disrupt US chip manufacturing. The FCC limited the exception to one year to avoid a sudden interruption.

Intel has used the vehicles for more than two decades. It argued that replacement would take years and could disrupt US chip manufacturing. The FCC limited the exception to one year to avoid a sudden interruption.

Cross-dependencies

AGVs are integrated with routes, safety systems, software and cleanroom procedures. Replacing them is not equivalent to buying ordinary warehouse carts. A credible domestic solution requires suppliers, reliability testing, parts and technicians.

AGVs are integrated with routes, safety systems, software and cleanroom procedures. Replacing them is not equivalent to buying ordinary warehouse carts. A credible domestic solution requires suppliers, reliability testing, parts and technicians.

Security, continuity and timing

The year should be used to assess security, test alternatives and build maintenance capacity. The waiver prevents a sudden disruption; it does not solve the underlying dependency.

The year should be used to assess security, test alternatives and build maintenance capacity. The waiver prevents a sudden disruption; it does not solve the underlying dependency.

Conclusion

The year should be used to assess security, test alternatives and build maintenance capacity. The waiver prevents a sudden disruption; it does not solve the underlying dependency.