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Foxconn Launches ‘FoxBrain’, Its First Large Language Model

Foxconn, the Taiwanese tech giant known for its role as the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, has unveiled its first large language model, named “FoxBrain.” The company announced on Monday that the model is designed to enhance its manufacturing processes and streamline supply chain management. This move marks a significant step for Foxconn in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations, potentially reshaping how the company handles everything from production workflows to data analysis.

FoxBrain was trained using 120 of Nvidia’s powerful H100 GPUs, completing the training in just four weeks. The rapid development showcases the advanced capabilities of both Foxconn’s infrastructure and the GPUs provided by Nvidia. The model is built on Meta’s Llama 3.1 architecture, which offers robust natural language processing features. This is Taiwan’s first large language model to incorporate reasoning capabilities, and it has been specifically optimized to handle traditional Chinese and Taiwanese language styles, addressing a critical gap for local businesses and users.

While Foxconn acknowledged that there is a slight performance gap when compared to China’s DeepSeek distillation model, the company emphasized that FoxBrain’s performance is still very close to world-class standards. This positions FoxBrain as a competitive force in the rapidly growing field of large language models, demonstrating that Foxconn is capable of developing AI technology with global relevance. The company is clearly looking to position FoxBrain as a versatile tool that can assist not only in internal operations but also in broader AI applications.

Initially, FoxBrain will be applied for internal purposes, focusing on areas like data analysis, decision support, document collaboration, mathematics, reasoning, problem-solving, and even code generation. This wide range of applications reflects the model’s versatility and its potential to drive efficiencies across different sectors of Foxconn’s business. With its reasoning capabilities, FoxBrain could play a key role in automating decision-making processes and improving the overall productivity of Foxconn’s vast manufacturing ecosystem.

Foxconn to Report Higher Q4 Profit Driven by AI Server Demand

Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, is expected to announce on Friday a 2.35% rise in its fourth-quarter profit, driven by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) servers. Net profit for the period from October to December is anticipated to reach T$54.4 billion ($1.65 billion), according to a consensus estimate of 15 analysts, up from T$53.15 billion in the same period last year.

In January, Foxconn reported a 15.2% increase in fourth-quarter revenue, reaching a record level for that quarter, with much of the growth attributed to AI server sales. The company, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, has forecast stronger-than-average performance for the first quarter, predicting substantial year-over-year growth, though it has refrained from offering specific financial guidance.

However, the company’s outlook remains clouded by the ongoing global trade war, which poses challenges for Foxconn as it operates major manufacturing facilities in China and Mexico—two countries that have faced increased import tariffs from the U.S. under President Donald Trump.

In addition, Apple announced last month that it would collaborate with Foxconn to build a 250,000-square-foot facility in Houston, which will assemble servers designed for data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

Despite these gains, Foxconn’s shares have dropped 8.7% this year, largely due to concerns over trade policies and the effects of U.S. tariffs.

The company’s earnings call will take place at 3 p.m. in Taipei (0700 GMT) on Friday, during which it will provide an update on its outlook for the remainder of the year.

Foxconn Open to Buying Stake in Nissan for Potential Cooperation

Foxconn (2317.TW), Taiwan’s leading electronics manufacturer, has expressed interest in purchasing a stake in Nissan (7201.T), but emphasized that its primary goal is to collaborate rather than invest in the automaker. Chairman Young Liu stated on Wednesday that Foxconn would consider buying shares if cooperation with Nissan required it, but reiterated that acquiring shares was not their main focus.

Foxconn is in discussions with Renault (RENA.PA), Nissan’s largest shareholder, about potential collaboration. These comments come amid uncertainty surrounding Nissan’s future after it stepped away from merger talks with rival Honda (7267.T), which would have created the world’s fourth-largest automaker.

Sources have indicated that Nissan and Honda, who had been exploring a merger, are expected to announce the end of their talks on Thursday due to growing differences between the two companies. This deal would have been a significant shift in an automotive industry facing mounting pressure from electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, particularly China’s BYD (002594.SZ).

In light of the changing landscape, Nissan is reportedly open to partnerships with new players, including Foxconn, which is best known for its role as Apple’s primary iPhone manufacturer. While Foxconn seeks to diversify its business, it is not looking to establish itself as an automotive brand. Instead, it intends to offer commissioned design and manufacturing services for electric vehicles.

Neither Nissan nor Renault has commented on Foxconn’s chairman’s statements regarding potential collaboration.