Tesla has entered into a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung to manufacture its next-generation AI chips, marking a significant step in the company’s transition from automaker to AI and robotics pioneer.
The partnership will see Samsung’s new semiconductor fabrication plant in Texas dedicated to producing Tesla’s AI6 chip, also known as Hardware 6. This chip is designed to scale across multiple Tesla initiatives—from its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to the Optimus humanoid robot and AI training in data centers.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk emphasized the strategic weight of the partnership, noting that the actual investment could exceed $16.5 billion. He also confirmed that Tesla will collaborate with Samsung to optimize production efficiency, with Musk personally overseeing progress on-site.
Samsung currently produces Tesla’s Hardware 4 chips and will now take on a larger role amid Tesla’s chip evolution. Meanwhile, the company continues to work with TSMC for its AI5 chips, set to begin production in Taiwan before expanding to Arizona.
This deal marks a major win for Samsung, which has struggled in recent years to secure major chip clients. For Tesla, the collaboration further strengthens its autonomy in hardware development, aiming to lead the next wave of AI-powered mobility and robotics.
