UMC’s Flagship Fab Designated One of 189 Smart Manufacturing Lighthouses by the World Economic Forum
UMC's Fab 12A in Tainan, Taiwan has been selected for the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network, becoming the first semiconductor foundry globally to achieve this status. The facility is among 17 new sites joining the network of 189 manufacturing leaders recognized for their advanced use of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.
The fab has implemented over 48 4IR solutions, with 95% developed in-house, leading to significant improvements: 57% reduction in design kit delivery time, 97% product yields, and 47% increase in workforce efficiency. These solutions include AI-enabled platforms, machine learning tools, and an intelligent Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) managing 3,000 pieces of equipment and 68 million possible wafer routes.
UMC's smart manufacturing division, established in 2017, chose Fab 12A as its pilot site for digital transformation initiatives, which are now being implemented across other UMC facilities.
Il Fab 12A di UMC a Tainan, Taiwan, è stato selezionato per la Rete Globale dei Fari del World Economic Forum, diventando il primo impianto di semiconduttori al mondo a raggiungere questo status. La struttura è tra i 17 nuovi siti che si uniscono alla rete di 189 leader nella manifattura riconosciuti per il loro avanzato utilizzo delle tecnologie della Quarta Rivoluzione Industriale (4IR).
Il fab ha implementato oltre 48 soluzioni 4IR, con il 95% sviluppato internamente, portando a miglioramenti significativi: una riduzione del 57% nei tempi di consegna dei kit di design, un rendimento del prodotto del 97% e un aumento del 47% nell'efficienza della forza lavoro. Queste soluzioni includono piattaforme abilitate all’IA, strumenti di machine learning, e un sistema intelligente di gestione dei materiali automatizzati (AMHS) che gestisce 3.000 pezzi di attrezzature e 68 milioni di possibili percorsi dei wafer.
La divisione di smart manufacturing di UMC, istituita nel 2017, ha scelto il Fab 12A come sito pilota per le iniziative di trasformazione digitale, che ora vengono implementate in altre strutture UMC.
El Fab 12A de UMC en Tainan, Taiwán, ha sido seleccionado para la Red Global de Faros del Foro Económico Mundial, convirtiéndose en la primera fundición de semiconductores en el mundo en lograr este estatus. La instalación se encuentra entre los 17 nuevos sitios que se unen a la red de 189 líderes manufactureros reconocidos por su uso avanzado de las tecnologías de la Cuarta Revolución Industrial (4IR).
El fab ha implementado más de 48 soluciones 4IR, con el 95% desarrollado internamente, lo que ha llevado a mejoras significativas: una reducción del 57% en el tiempo de entrega de kits de diseño, un rendimiento de producto del 97% y un aumento del 47% en la eficiencia de la fuerza laboral. Estas soluciones incluyen plataformas habilitadas por inteligencia artificial, herramientas de aprendizaje automático y un sistema inteligente de manejo automatizado de materiales (AMHS) que gestiona 3.000 piezas de equipo y 68 millones de rutas de obleas posibles.
La división de manufactura inteligente de UMC, establecida en 2017, eligió el Fab 12A como su sitio piloto para iniciativas de transformación digital, que ahora se están implementando en otras instalaciones de UMC.
UMC의 Fab 12A는 대만 타이난에 위치하고 있으며, 세계경제포럼의 글로벌 등대 네트워크에 선정되어 전 세계 반도체 파운드리 중 최초로 이 지위를 획득하게 되었습니다. 이번 시설은 제4차 산업혁명(4IR) 기술의 고급 사용으로 인정받은 189개 제조업체 네트워크에 새로 합류한 17개 사이트 중 하나입니다.
이 팹은 48개 이상의 4IR 솔루션을 구현하였으며, 그 중 95%는 내부 개발로 이루어졌습니다. 이로 인해 다음과 같은 상당한 개선이 이루어졌습니다: 디자인 키트 배송 시간이 57% 감소하고, 제품 수율이 97%에 이르며, 인력 효율성이 47% 증가했습니다. 이러한 솔루션에는 AI 지원 플랫폼, 머신러닝 도구와 3,000개의 장비 및 6,800만 개의 웨이퍼 경로를 관리하는 스마트 자동 자재 처리 시스템(AMHS)이 포함됩니다.
UMC의 스마트 제조 부서는 2017년에 설립되었으며, Fab 12A를 디지털 전환 이니셔티브의 파일럿 사이트로 선택하여 현재 다른 UMC 시설에도 적용되고 있습니다.
Le Fab 12A d'UMC à Tainan, Taïwan, a été sélectionné pour le Réseau Mondial des Phare du Forum Économique Mondial, devenant ainsi la première fonderie de semi-conducteurs au monde à obtenir ce statut. L'installation fait partie des 17 nouveaux sites rejoignant le réseau de 189 leaders de la fabrication reconnus pour leur utilisation avancée des technologies de la Quatrième Révolution Industrielle (4IR).
Le fab a mis en œuvre plus de 48 solutions 4IR, dont 95 % ont été développées en interne, entraînant des améliorations significatives : une réduction de 57 % du temps de livraison des kits de conception, un rendement des produits de 97 % et une augmentation de 47 % de l'efficacité de la main-d'œuvre. Ces solutions incluent des plateformes alimentées par IA, des outils d'apprentissage automatique et un système intelligent de gestion automatisée des matériaux (AMHS) gérant 3 000 équipements et 68 millions d'itinéraires de plaquettes possibles.
La division de fabrication intelligente d'UMC, établie en 2017, a choisi le Fab 12A comme site pilote pour les initiatives de transformation numérique, qui sont désormais mises en œuvre dans d'autres installations d'UMC.
UMCs Fab 12A in Tainan, Taiwan, wurde in das globale Leuchtturmnetzwerk des Weltwirtschaftsforums aufgenommen und ist damit die erste Halbleiterfabrik weltweit, die diesen Status erreicht. Die Anlage gehört zu den 17 neuen Standorten, die sich dem Netzwerk von 189 führenden Herstellern anschließen, die für ihren fortschrittlichen Einsatz von Technologien der Vierten Industriellen Revolution (4IR) anerkannt sind.
Der Fab hat über 48 4IR-Lösungen implementiert, von denen 95 % intern entwickelt wurden, was zu signifikanten Verbesserungen geführt hat: Eine Reduzierung der Lieferzeit von Design-Kits um 57 %, eine Produktverfügbarkeit von 97 % und eine Steigerung der Effizienz der Arbeitskräfte um 47 %. Zu diesen Lösungen gehören KI-gestützte Plattformen, Werkzeuge für maschinelles Lernen und ein intelligentes automatisiertes Materials-Handlingssystem (AMHS), das 3.000 Geräte und 68 Millionen mögliche Wafer-Routen verwaltet.
Die Abteilung für smartes Manufacturing von UMC, die 2017 gegründet wurde, wählte Fab 12A als Pilotstandort für digitale Transformationsinitiativen, die nun auch in anderen UMC-Anlagen umgesetzt werden.
- First semiconductor foundry globally to achieve Lighthouse status
- 97% product yields achieved through 4IR implementation
- 47% increase in workforce efficiency
- 57% reduction in design kit delivery time
- 95% of 4IR solutions developed in-house, showing strong technological capability
- None.
Insights
The World Economic Forum's Lighthouse designation for UMC's Fab 12A, while prestigious, offers direct impact on immediate financial performance. The real value lies in the operational improvements already achieved: 57% reduction in design kit delivery time, 97% product yields and 47% workforce efficiency gains. These metrics demonstrate UMC's successful digital transformation strategy and competitive positioning in the specialty semiconductor market.
The implementation of 48 Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions, with 95% developed in-house, indicates significant proprietary technological advantages and reduced reliance on external vendors. This translates to better cost control and intellectual property protection. The AI-enabled improvements in photomask handling and defect analysis directly address key challenges in specialty semiconductor manufacturing, where margins are typically higher but technical requirements more demanding.
The intelligent Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) implementation across three connected fabs represents a significant operational breakthrough. Managing 68 million possible wafer routes through AI optimization isn't just about efficiency - it's about maximizing the utilization of multi-billion dollar equipment investments. The system's ability to automatically determine optimal routes reduces human error, improves cycle times and enhances capital equipment ROI.
The comprehensive integration of machine learning for design kit creation and predictive maintenance demonstrates a mature AI implementation strategy. This technological foundation positions UMC to scale these solutions across their global operations, potentially yielding similar efficiency gains at other facilities. For investors, this indicates strong operational execution and sustainable competitive advantages in the specialty semiconductor space.
Fab 12A in Tainan,
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Infographic: More than 48 Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) solutions were deployed at UMC's Fab 12A to enhance operational productivity and efficiency. (Graphic: Business Wire)
Lighthouses are designated by an independent panel of experts based on their effective use of AI, industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), big data analytics, and other digital technologies. The Global Lighthouse Network, co-founded in 2018 by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company, now spans over 30 countries and 35 sectors.
UMC formed a dedicated smart manufacturing division in 2017, and appointed Fab 12A as the pilot fab for digital transformation initiatives, which are subsequently deployed to other UMC sites. To date, more than 48 4IR solutions have been successfully integrated into Fab 12A’s operations and value chain, nearly
TS Wu, Vice President of UMC and Head of Digital Office, said, “We are honored to be recognized by the World Economic Forum as a frontrunner in adopting smart manufacturing solutions at scale to transform our business. 4IR is at the center of UMC’s sustainable development, ensuring we can meet customers’ demands in an increasingly competitive market. Smart manufacturing is also about empowering our employees to focus on higher-value work and optimizing resource use to reduce environmental impact. We are excited to serve as a beacon for other manufacturers seeking to harness digital tools as well as to learn from other Lighthouses in the network.”
UMC focuses on the production of specialty semiconductors, which have higher value but poses complex manufacturing challenges with their unique functionalities and strict performance specifications. The 4IR use cases deployed have helped overcome these challenges and expanded customer engagements for UMC’s specialty portfolio, enhancing the company’s overall profitability.
To accelerate time to market for customers, UMC leveraged machine learning tools to shorten design kit creation lead time for new fabrication processes by more than half. To ensure accuracy and timely delivery of photomasks, UMC developed an AI-enabled platform to streamline data handling between the company, customer, and photomask vendor.
In order to reduce cycle time, UMC deployed a machine learning predictive model and intelligent gas deployment system to target key bottleneck tools. Additionally, an intelligent defect root cause analysis system was created, incorporating smart image recognition and automatic AI deciders, to quickly identify process weaknesses and suspected tool issues. This system greatly increased efficiency in defect root cause identification and tool troubleshooting, effectively improving yields.
The Fab 12A site spans three separate but connected fabs, with inter-fab production enabled by an intelligent Automated Material Handling System (AMHS). With 3,000 pieces of equipment and 68 million possible routes a wafer can take throughout its manufacturing process, UMC integrated AI algorithms with the standard AMHS to automatically assign the optimal route. This enhanced worker efficiency and also improved the utilization rate of tools and transportation vehicles.
See WEF’s announcement on the latest wave of new members joining the Global Lighthouse Network, including UMC.
About UMC
UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry company. The company provides high-quality IC fabrication services, focusing on logic and various specialty technologies to serve all major sectors of the electronics industry. UMC’s comprehensive IC processing technologies and manufacturing solutions include Logic/Mixed-Signal, embedded High-Voltage, embedded Non-Volatile-Memory, RFSOI, BCD etc. Most of UMC's 12-in and 8-in fabs with its core R&D are located in
Note from UMC Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements in the foregoing announcement are forward-looking within the meaning of the
1 All figures in this paragraph show % change between 2019 and 2023.
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Media contact
UMC Corporate Communications
Michelle Yun
886-3-578-2258 x16951
michelle_yun@umc.com
Source: United Microelectronics Corporation
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