SoftBank Corp. is acquiring a defunct Sharp LCD plant in Sakai, Osaka, to develop AI agents in collaboration with OpenAI. The purchase will be signed soon, costing about 100 billion yen ($676 million). The plant’s sustainable energy capacity is a key factor for its future as a data center.
In an exciting development, SoftBank Corp. is set to transform a former Sharp LCD plant into a state-of-the-art data center. This initiative, in partnership with OpenAI—the minds behind ChatGPT—aims to cultivate artificial intelligence agents designed to push the boundaries of technology.
The Japanese telecom giant plans to finalize its acquisition by signing a contract as early as Friday. The facility, located in Sakai, Osaka, will cost approximately 100 billion yen (around $676 million). SoftBank has deemed this site ideal due to its capability to secure a sustainable long-term electricity supply, crucial for powering the AI operations.
SoftBank’s acquisition of the former Sharp LCD plant marks a significant step toward enhancing AI technology in Japan. The collaboration with OpenAI promises to usher in a new era of AI agents, leveraging the plant’s energy resources for sustainable operations. This strategic move not only revives a defunct space but also positions SoftBank at the forefront of the AI revolution.
Original Source: asia.nikkei.com
