SoftBank Corp. is planning to build a next-generation industrial park with an AI-based data center at Sharp Corp.'s former LCD panel plant in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture.
The data center will feature state-of-the-art graphics processing units (GPUs) from Nvidia for AI data processing. This will support SoftBank's own generative AI development and other AI-related businesses.
SoftBank plans to use clean energy sources to minimize the environmental impact of the data center. This will support SoftBank's own generative AI development and other AI-related businesses.
Here are some key details:
Acquisition: SoftBank acquired the plant and surrounding facilities for ¥100 billion ($635 million) in December 2024.
Data Center: The data center will utilize over 20% of the plant's 600,000-square-meter total floor area. SoftBank plans to procure state-of-the-art graphics processing units from U.S. semiconductor giant Nvidia Corp. for AI data processing at the data center. The system will be available for use by companies in the industrial park.
Operations: Full-scale operations are expected to begin in 2025, with plans to increase the power capacity to over 400 megawatts in the future.
Purpose: The industrial park aims to foster innovation across various sectors, including manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, by providing companies access to advanced AI capabilities.
Environmental Impact: SoftBank plans to use clean energy sources to minimize the environmental impact of the data center.
SoftBank's President, Junichi Miyakawa, emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize industries using AI, especially in response to Japan's declining labor force.
It's an ambitious project with the potential to significantly impact regional economies and technological innovation. What do you think about this development? Comment below.
Acquisition: SoftBank acquired the plant and surrounding facilities for ¥100 billion ($635 million) in December 2024.
Data Center: The data center will utilize over 20% of the plant's 600,000-square-meter total floor area. SoftBank plans to procure state-of-the-art graphics processing units from U.S. semiconductor giant Nvidia Corp. for AI data processing at the data center. The system will be available for use by companies in the industrial park.
Operations: Full-scale operations are expected to begin in 2025, with plans to increase the power capacity to over 400 megawatts in the future.
Purpose: The industrial park aims to foster innovation across various sectors, including manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, by providing companies access to advanced AI capabilities.
Environmental Impact: SoftBank plans to use clean energy sources to minimize the environmental impact of the data center.
SoftBank's President, Junichi Miyakawa, emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize industries using AI, especially in response to Japan's declining labor force.
It's an ambitious project with the potential to significantly impact regional economies and technological innovation. What do you think about this development? Comment below.
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