Taiwan’s Yageo Corp., a leading component manufacturer, has stated that it will retain Shibaura Electronics Co.’s most advanced artificial intelligence technology within Japan if its acquisition of the AI sensor maker is successful. This commitment comes as the Japanese government seeks to balance the need for shareholder returns with the imperative of keeping cutting-edge AI technology domestically.
Yageo founder and Chairman Pierre Chen made these comments, emphasizing the significance of Shibaura’s high-precision thermistors in monitoring the internal temperature of electronic devices to prevent overheating. This technology is particularly crucial in the AI sector, where data centers equipped with large clusters of high-performance servers process vast amounts of data.

The acquisition, if successful, would not only expand Yageo’s presence in the AI technology market but also underscore the strategic importance of maintaining advanced technological capabilities within Japan. The Japanese government has been keen on ensuring that critical technologies, especially those related to AI, remain within the country to maintain its competitive edge in the global technology landscape.
Shibaura Electronics Co.’s technology plays a vital role in the functioning of data centers, which are the backbone of AI operations. The high-precision thermistors manufactured by Shibaura are essential for preventing overheating in electronic devices, a common issue in data centers where servers operate continuously.
Yageo’s commitment to retaining Shibaura’s advanced technology in Japan is seen as a positive development for the country’s technology sector. It aligns with Tokyo’s broader strategy of protecting its technological assets while still allowing for foreign investment and corporate restructuring.