Amazon’s new AI chips aim to outpace Nvidia

The move is strategic as competitors like Microsoft and Alphabet also pursue their own AI processors.

AI chips, AI, factory, development, Amazon, NVIDIA

Amazon.com is pushing forward with the development of its own AI chips, aiming to reduce its dependence on Nvidia and lower costs for its customers. Engineers in Amazon’s Austin, Texas, chip lab are currently testing a new server design packed with these proprietary AI chips. Rami Sinno, director of engineering for Amazon’s Annapurna Labs, highlighted the increasing demand for more affordable alternatives to Nvidia’s products.

Amazon acquired Annapurna Labs in 2015 and has since focused on creating processors that can handle complex calculations and large data sets more economically. As competitors like Microsoft and Alphabet also develop their own AI processors, Amazon’s initiative is a strategic move to maintain its edge in the AI cloud business, which is the main growth driver for Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Amazon’s new AI tools are also part of its broader strategy to tackle misinformation and enhance service offerings. This development comes as Nvidia adapts to tightening US export controls by creating China-specific AI chips.