Korea's DeepX debuts ultra-low-power AI chip for Hyundai robots

South Korean startup DeepX has unveiled its ultra-low-power AI chips at a tech summit in Singapore.

CEO Kim Nok-won demonstrated the technology embedded in Hyundai Motor’s robots, highlighting the DX-M1 chip’s ability to perform GPU-level computations with minimal power consumption for on-device tasks.

DeepX also announced a deal to supply 40,000 chip units to Baidu for robotics and automation, with mass production starting this year. The startup’s domestic partners include POSCO DX and Hanjin Transportation, positioning its AI solutions at the core of smart city and delivery systems.

The summit was co-hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information to discuss AI cooperation strategies.

🔗 Source: Chosun Daily

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

GPU-level performance refers to efficient AI runs, not a full GPU match

“GPU-level computations” describes the DX-M1 running demanding AI workloads, not serving as a one-for-one replacement for a general-purpose graphics processing unit (GPU).
DeepX says the DX-M1 delivers GPU-like AI compute with lower power use, and ran an on-device facial recognition demo that worked without a cloud connection.
Edge AI chips like this usually aim to run models well inside devices such as robots, which fits the summit setting, rather than cover every workload a GPU can handle.
DeepX reinforced the low-heat pitch with a “butter test” where butter placed on the chip did not melt during the demo.

DeepX’s Baidu deal points to robots and other on-device AI

Supplying Baidu with 40,000 chip units suggests a sales push toward physical systems such as robots, drones, or factory automation, rather than data-center AI alone.
DeepX said it plans to enter mass production this year.
It also cited domestic rollouts including POSCO DX for factory automation, Hanjin Transportation for delivery automation, plus use in smart city systems.
The Korea-Singapore AI Connect Summit demo in Singapore matched that focus, with AI semiconductor technology embedded in Hyundai Motor Company’s robots plus on-device facial recognition without a cloud connection.