The U.S. boom in building AI data centers is heightening supply-chain risks tied to reliance on Chinese power and optical communications equipment. If Washington tightens restrictions on national security grounds, shortages and higher costs could slow data center construction. Key components such as transformers, switchgear, batteries and optical transceivers depend heavily on China, while existing supply shortfalls for power equipment are already emerging, with limited near-term substitution capacity.

Jeonbuk National University is testing technology that adds autonomous judgement to automated factories at its Physical AI Manufacturing Technology Pilot Lab in Jeonju. The 846-square-metre facility links robot arms, autonomous mobile robots, sensors and machine tools to share production plans and detect abnormalities. It can recommend responses, with plans to develop technology to directly adjust equipment and optimise multiple processes. The programme will expand through 2030 with central government funding.