TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Industrial Technology Research Institute Chair Wu Tsung-tsong (吳政忠) said that it will partner with domestic research units and universities to strengthen AI, robotics, and unmanned vehicle technologies, as part of its plan to support Taiwan’s industries, CNA reported.

Wu said the next two decades will be crucial for advancing unmanned and AI technologies, emphasizing that Taiwan has the ability and must seize the opportunity. The institute added that it also plans initiatives to bolster Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing.

Wu praised the institute’s efforts to strengthen Taiwan–US cooperation in the drone supply chain. In January, the institute joined the US Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International’s Green UAS program, becoming the first overseas organization recognized for drone cybersecurity testing and technical evaluations.

Wu thanked the Ministry of Economic Affairs for supporting the institute’s rare earth refining efforts. The initiative is scheduled to begin production by 2029, aiming to significantly reduce Taiwan’s reliance on imports from China.

ITRI is focusing on extracting neodymium and dysprosium, rare earth elements used in EV motors, wind turbines, and computer equipment. The institute added that typical rare earth refining produces significant pollution, so it is adopting wastewater and acid recycling techniques to make the process cleaner.

ITRI President Chang Pei-zen (張培仁) said the institute will focus on developing robotics and unmanned technologies to streamline industry operations. Additionally, it will help about 150,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in Taiwan adopt AI-powered systems and digital transformation.

Chang noted that partnerships with domestic researchers will also aim to reduce R&D costs for AI and unmanned vehicle technologies and help boost training for tech talent.

In February, the ministry began construction of a semiconductor R&D center at ITRI’s Hsinchu headquarters. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the facility will provide chip design, semiconductor process development, and equipment verification services. The ministry hopes it will help small and medium-sized IC design firms speed up product development.