Interview: NexCOBOT expects strong growth in AI controllers
NexCOBOT expects strong growth in its AI controller business this year and next year. The robotics subsidiary of Nexcom International projects AI controller shipments to exceed 1,000 units in 2027. These advanced controllers, made with Nvidia computing modules, cost US$5,000 to US$8,000 per unit. This is significantly higher than standard controllers, which are priced at about US$1,000 each.
NexCOBOT's focus on "last-mile solutions" for robotics, combining motion control, safety, AI computing, and cybersecurity, is a smart play. Industrial PC suppliers typically offer only hardware. NexCOBOT aims to provide a more complete platform, integrating I/O baseboards and software with Nvidia and Intel modules. This could accelerate robot deployment for system makers. The company expects AI controllers to account for 20 percent of its controller sales next year.
This is a significant forecast. NexCOBOT plans to ship about 500 advanced AI controllers based on Nvidia's IGX Thor platform in 2027. This is up from several hundred units this year. Taiwan's robotics sector benefits from NexCOBOT's ecosystem approach. The RoboWIZ AI Robot Open Platform brings together dozens of partners. This initiative supports development of humanoid, quadruped, and dual-arm robots. Taiwanese partners supply cameras and thermal-imaging tech.
However, functional safety joints and dexterous hands still rely on European and US partners. This highlights a persistent gap in local supply chains. The test for NexCOBOT is whether its RoboWIZ hubs in Taipei, Taichung, and Atlanta can truly shrink time to market for complex robotics. Meaningful progress on fully bipedal humanoid robots is unlikely for at least three more years, according to chairman Clement Lin. This timeline sets a clear expectation.
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