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Foxconn Sees AI Driving Growth as Q2 Profit Exceeds Forecast

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Foxconn (2317.TW), the world’s largest iPhone assembler, reported second-quarter net profit of T$44.4 billion ($1.48 billion), surpassing the consensus estimate of T$38.8 billion, as strong demand for AI servers helped offset slower growth in smart electronics. The company on Thursday forecast a significant rise in third-quarter revenue, with AI server sales expected to jump more than 170% year-on-year.

Cloud and networking products, including servers, accounted for 41% of Q2 revenue, while smart consumer electronics contributed 35%. CEO Kathy Yang said, “AI has been the primary growth driver so far this year,” but cautioned that “close attention is needed due to the impact of changes in tariffs and exchange rates.”

Foxconn is increasing capital spending by more than 20% in 2025 to expand server production capacity at its facilities in Texas and Wisconsin. The company’s AI business benefits from rising demand as cloud computing giants such as Amazon (AMZN.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), and Google (GOOGL.O) expand AI infrastructure.

Geopolitical uncertainty remains a risk, particularly from U.S.-China trade tensions, although a 90-day tariff truce has been extended. While most iPhones for Apple (AAPL.O) are assembled in China, production for the U.S. market has shifted mainly to India. Foxconn is also building factories in Mexico and Texas to manufacture AI servers for Nvidia (NVDA.O).

In its electric vehicle (EV) operations, Foxconn sold its former Lordstown, Ohio, factory for $375 million but will continue to occupy the site to produce cloud-related products. Initial production of its Model C EV for the U.S. market will take place in Taiwan.

Foxconn shares have risen 8.4% year-to-date, outperforming the broader Taiwan index (.TWII), which gained 5.2%, and closed up 0.5% on Thursday ahead of the earnings release.

Nvidia and Foxconn in Talks to Deploy Humanoid Robots at New Houston AI Server Factory

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Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn and U.S. AI chipmaker Nvidia are reportedly negotiating to introduce humanoid robots at Foxconn’s upcoming factory in Houston, which will produce Nvidia AI servers. According to sources familiar with the discussions, this would mark the first time Nvidia products are manufactured with the help of humanoid robots and Foxconn’s inaugural use of such robots in an AI server production line.

The planned deployment, expected to be finalized within months, represents a significant advancement in the use of human-like robots in manufacturing, potentially transforming factory processes. Foxconn is working on its own humanoid robots in collaboration with Nvidia and has also tested humanoids developed by China’s UBTech. Details on the specific types, appearances, and number of robots planned for the Houston facility remain unclear.

The goal is to have the humanoid robots operational by the first quarter of next year, coinciding with the start of production for Nvidia’s GB300 AI servers at the Houston plant. While precise tasks have not been confirmed, Foxconn has been training humanoid robots for activities such as picking and placing objects, cable insertion, and assembly, according to a May company presentation.

Foxconn’s Houston factory is particularly suited for humanoid robot deployment due to its newness and ample space compared to existing AI server production sites. Nvidia and Foxconn declined to comment on the matter, and sources spoke anonymously due to lack of authorization to speak publicly.

At a recent event in Taipei, Leo Guo, general manager of Foxconn Industrial Internet’s robotics unit, revealed plans to showcase two humanoid robot models at Foxconn’s annual tech event in November—one with legs and another on a wheeled autonomous mobile robot base, the latter being the more cost-effective option.

Nvidia announced in April its plans to build AI supercomputer manufacturing plants in Texas, partnering with Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas, with production ramp-up expected within 12 to 15 months.

For Nvidia, integrating humanoid robots in AI server manufacturing signifies a deeper commitment to robotics technology, building on its existing platform that supports humanoid robot development. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has forecasted that widespread use of humanoid robots in manufacturing is less than five years away.

Several automakers, including Mercedes-Benz and BMW, have experimented with humanoid robots on production lines, while Tesla is developing its own. China also heavily supports humanoid robotics, anticipating that many factory tasks will eventually be carried out by these robots.

Computex 2024 to Spotlight AI Innovations, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang Takes Center Stage

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Taiwan’s Computex trade show, set for May 20–23, will once again shine a spotlight on artificial intelligence, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expected to headline the event. With 1,400 exhibitors lined up, this year’s focus extends beyond AI-powered devices to global economic shifts and the geopolitical implications of U.S. tariffs.

Huang, known for sparking “Jensanity” at last year’s event, will deliver the keynote speech Monday. He’s anticipated to announce expanded partnerships with leading Taiwanese AI server manufacturers like Foxconn and Quanta. Analysts believe Huang may also reference recent U.S. policy changes, including trade tariffs and the ongoing effort to reduce supply chain dependence on China.

“Obviously, Nvidia relies a lot on the Taiwanese ecosystem to deliver,” said Ian Cutress, chief analyst at More Than Moore. Nvidia recently pledged to produce $500 billion worth of AI servers in the U.S. over the next four years, in collaboration with TSMC, Foxconn, and Wistron.

Other tech giants will also make major appearances:

  • Qualcomm will present developments in AI PCs.

  • MediaTek is set to unveil its strategy for edge and cloud AI.

  • AMD will showcase advancements in gaming and AI-powered personal computing.

  • Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, while skipping a public speech, will meet privately with key Taiwanese partners.

  • Advantech, a leader in industrial computing, returns after a decade to reveal new AI systems for business applications.

The event arrives amid concerns over tightened export controls on advanced AI chips to China and heightened pressure from the U.S. to relocate manufacturing stateside. These dynamics have shifted the industry’s focus from traditional B2C electronics to enterprise-level AI and industrial innovation.

“Taiwan has also changed,” said Advantech Chairman K.C. Liu. “The industry has shifted toward AI. It’s no longer enough to focus solely on consumer goods.”

Computex 2024 is expected to serve not only as a showcase for the latest AI breakthroughs but also as a barometer of how companies are navigating complex global supply chains and political risks in the tech sector.