[Edaily Reporter SOYEON KIM ] SK hynix is pushing forward with its AI Transformation (AX) initiative based on the assessment that “companies unable to adapt to artificial intelligence (AI) will face difficulties in the future, while those that utilize AI effectively will undoubtedly pull ahead.” The company views AI not merely as a tool for automation but as a core principle of its company-wide operational approach and has established a strategic direction known as the “AI Company.” An “AI Company” refers to an organization where AI goes beyond merely complementing human judgment to become the driving force behind autonomous decision-making and execution.

In particular, semiconductor manufacturing is a complex system where a single process change can significantly impact yield and quality. SK hynix views its transition to an “AI Company” as a key strategy not only for improving efficiency but also for securing fundamental competitiveness in the global semiconductor market.

SK hynix has redesigned its business processes. C-level executives, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), have defined AI as a strategic tool and a core principle of a new way of working, and have established a systematic roadmap to realize this vision. The key is a three-stage process: “Field-led – System-led – Field-utilized.”

The company is pursuing a phased approach: △ starting by defining problems on the front lines and introducing AI solutions (front-line-led); △ expanding these into company-wide standards and systems (system-led); and △ finally, fully integrating them into daily operations (front-line utilization). Through this, the company aims to strengthen company-wide collaboration and execution capabilities and realize an “AI Company” where AI connects the entire corporate operations process.

◇ AI Innovation Starting at the Front Lines… The Front Lines as the Source of Innovation

SK hynix defines every space—from semiconductor fabs to design and sales sites—as a source of AI data. Employees are key collaborators who define problems, interpret data, and create solutions together with AI. Information on new materials developed through research and development (R&D) is rapidly transmitted to manufacturing lines via an AI-based data platform, while customer feedback from sales sites is systematically incorporated into next-generation product designs following AI analysis. AI serves as the core medium connecting all these processes. The company is realizing company-wide operational optimization spanning the entire cycle from R&D to manufacturing, sales, and feedback.

SK hynix has introduced an intelligent R&D measurement system in which AI autonomously determines the need for measurements and automatically omits unnecessary processes. This has established a high-speed evaluation system with a measurement throughput 30 times greater than before.

The company has also developed an in-house, customized AI assistant. This AI assistant has been trained on accumulated technical documents, process recipes, and troubleshooting manuals. For example, it helps improve the debugging speed of new engineers—the process of identifying the root causes of errors and implementing improvements—thereby contributing to the overall productivity and capabilities of the R&D workforce.

◇ Robots Performing High-Risk Tasks in Semiconductor Fabs

In actual mass production, AI can predict and control processes. AI-based collaborative robots have been introduced on the semiconductor fab floor, where they work alongside humans to perform high-precision tasks. Robots perform high-risk tasks—such as transporting heavy loads or handling toxic substances—in place of humans. They are becoming established not merely as automated equipment but as active AI members on the production floor.

Digital twins are another area where SK hynix is making company-wide efforts. SK hynix established a dedicated digital twin organization. This organization has systematically built a framework to validate processes, designs, and performance in a virtual environment and apply the results to the manufacturing floor. This has dramatically shortened the cycle time between R&D, manufacturing, and feedback. Furthermore, by simultaneously enhancing company-wide operational efficiency and flexibility, the company plans to secure core competitiveness for future manufacturing.

AI also plays a key role in the safety domain. The company has unified on-site safety management by introducing the Intelligent Safety Environment AI System (HINT) and a safety robot operation platform. By 2025, AI and robots will have replaced inspection tasks in high-risk areas, reducing labor costs. Furthermore, by diagnosing equipment malfunctions early and taking preemptive measures, the company has been able to prevent production losses amounting to billions of won.

Company-wide, we are utilizing the agent-based AI platform GaiA. GaiA is an AI platform launched in August 2025. We are currently applying customized AI agents across various domains, ranging from equipment maintenance to policy analysis, HR, and meeting support. This year, we are further advancing this platform to take the innovation of our work methods to the next level.