AI boom moving from cloud-based models to infrastructure: think tank

The global AI industry is transitioning from model development to infrastructure expansion and real-world deployment, according to MIC director-general Chris Hung. Speaking at the Computex Best Choice Award ceremony in Taipei, Hung emphasized that AI applications are no longer limited to cloud computing but are increasingly integrated into edge computing, end devices, and manufacturing sites. He referenced Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s layered AI infrastructure framework, which includes energy, chips, infrastructure, models, and applications, describing AI as a new generation of national infrastructure. Hung highlighted that AI workloads are driving demand for servers, networking, cooling systems, and power infrastructure as data centers scale up. MIC projections indicate global AI server shipments will continue rising through 2030, while AI-related semiconductors are expected to account for nearly half of the overall semiconductor market by 2028. The focus of AI computing is shifting from cloud-based training to edge and end-user applications, with AI PCs expected to enter a rapid adoption stage this year. AI’s expansion is transforming industries such as transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and office applications, creating a full ecosystem. Hung also noted advancements in AI-enhanced Wi-Fi, shifting from peak speed optimization to improving reliability and low-latency performance in real-world environments. The shift underscores AI’s growing role in everyday technology and infrastructure, accelerating deployment across sectors.