The Future of Fabs – Human ingenuity meets AI speed and robotic precision

4:40 pm - 5:05 pm

This presentation explores the future of the semiconductor industry, focusing on the evolution of Smart Fabs driven by the convergence of human ingenuity, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics. In the wake of global supply chain disruptions and accelerated technological advancement, the semiconductor sector faces increasing complexity and uncertainty, making rapid yield achievement and high productivity essential. Massive government investments are fueling a wave of new fab construction worldwide, but a significant talent shortage and skills gap have emerged as critical barriers to growth.

To address these challenges, Lam Research is deploying advanced AI-powered solutions such as Equipment Intelligence® and the Dextro™ cobot. These innovations enable automated and predictive maintenance, data-driven decision-making, and productivity optimization. By integrating technologies like machine learning, digital twins, big data, IoT, and AR/VR, Smart Fabs are overcoming systemic issues—such as supply chain risks, cost pressures, sustainability, and cybersecurity—while ensuring consistent product quality and operational efficiency on a global scale.

The Dextro™ cobot, in particular, collaborates with human engineers to perform repetitive, high-precision maintenance tasks, dramatically reducing process variability and downtime, and empowering engineers to focus on higher-value problem-solving. This synergy between people and automation is a key driver for the global expansion of the semiconductor industry and the realization of the Smart Fab of the future.

Featured Speakers

Andrew Yoo (invited)

Senior Director, Applications Engineering, Lam Research

Andrew Yoo joined Lam Research in 1994 and has since contributed across multiple roles, gaining extensive experience in engineering and applications. He currently serves as Senior Director, Applications Engineering, focusing on product management, applications strategy, and fab productivity improvements.

Over the years, Yoo has held positions such as Field Apps Manager, Engineering, Fab Productivity, RPS Manager, Field Software Manager, and Process Engineer. He has led key initiatives in reliability and performance services, software deployment, and productivity enhancements for major customer accounts.

Yoo holds a bachelor’s degree from Hanyang University and an MBA from Ajou University.