TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China Steel Chair Huang Chien-chih (黃建智) said the company will bolster supply chains to support the development of domestic unmanned systems and strengthen Taiwan’s global presence, CNA reported.
At a seminar on Thursday, Huang said the global robotics and drone sectors are experiencing strong growth driven by AI technology. He added that China Steel has shifted to producing ultra-thin electrical steel. Together with its self-developed coating technology, the company is positioned to support local unmanned systems makers.
The company spent NT$15 billion (US$460 million) setting up an ultra-thin steel production line. The 0.1 mm steel offers high magnetic permeability and flux density, making it suitable for EVs, UAVs, and robotics.
To improve the stacking density of ultra-thin steel sheets, Huang said the company’s coating technology helps bond motor cores into a more integrated structure. When applied to drones, it enhances motor performance and improves UAV endurance.
The company said it has partnered with National Cheng Kung University and GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology to develop a new drone motor using its ultra-thin steel sheets. It is also working to develop more locally made UAV motors for military and commercial applications.
Tsai Mi-ching (蔡明祺), a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at NCKU, said the university has cooperated with China Steel for more than 20 years. The partnership focuses on expanding motor applications from EVs to drones and robotics.
The company has also worked with the university to use hydrogen instead of coal in the steel production process to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, they have developed technologies to capture carbon from steel manufacturing.
Taiwan Motor Industry Association Chair Ryan Shen (沈尚弘) praised China Steel’s innovations in steelmaking technology and its efforts to support domestic unmanned systems makers. He emphasized the importance of motors to drones and chip production.
To help domestic steelmakers improve mass production capabilities, China Steel added that it has supported upgrades in quality testing, production equipment development, and the building of high-precision stamping platforms.
