Daily briefing: How labs are coping with 'RAMmageddon'

"The voracious demand for high-speed random access memory (RAM) chips for use in artificial-intelligence systems has driven a global shortage - making it more difficult for some researchers to get their hands on them. This 'RAMmageddon' has caused the prices of such chips to soar, pricing out laboratories that are already struggling with tight budgets."

"The shortage could also push researchers to develop more efficient algorithms and hardware that need less memory. It could take manufacturers 18 months or more to ramp up chip supply, experts say."

"China is pledging to use 'extraordinary measures' to support the country's bid to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, quantum technology and other cutting-edge technological fields, according to its latest five-year plan. The plan also doubles down on the government's long-term goal of becoming more self-sufficient by making technologies, such as advanced semiconductor chips, domestically."

A severe global shortage of high-speed RAM chips required for artificial intelligence systems has created significant challenges for researchers. The shortage, termed 'RAMmageddon', has caused chip prices to surge, straining laboratory budgets already operating under financial constraints. This supply crisis may catalyze development of more efficient algorithms and hardware requiring less memory. Manufacturers estimate it will take at least 18 months to increase chip production capacity. Meanwhile, China is implementing extraordinary measures to achieve technological leadership in artificial intelligence and quantum technology, emphasizing domestic semiconductor manufacturing to reduce dependence on foreign technology sources.

Read at Nature