OpenAI ChatGPT's operations rely heavily on artificial intelligence chips.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is exploring the possibility of producing artificial intelligence (AI) chips to address the shortage it has been facing, Reuters reported on Oct. 6.
OpenAI has reportedly conducted a comprehensive market assessment, including the possible acquisition of an undisclosed chipmaker. However, the plan is still in the finalization stage and internal discussions are still ongoing.
Last year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stressed the importance of acquiring more chips for its operations, as chip shortages hampered the company's short-term goals.
Raza Habib, CEO of artificial intelligence company Humanloop, said in a now-deleted blog post:
“A common theme that emerged throughout the discussion was that OpenAI is extremely limited in GPUs right now, which is causing delays to many of their short-term plans. The biggest customer complaints were about API reliability and speed. Sam acknowledged their concerns and explained that most of the issues were due to GPU shortages.
Since ChatGPT was launched, AI chips have become a hot commodity and have been widely praised. These chips are designed to make building artificial intelligence systems faster and cheaper. However, with the emergence of multiple artificial intelligence startups, it has become more difficult for OpenAI to obtain these chips for its chatbot.
As a result, OpenAI began considering solutions to the scarcity problem it faces. Some of the solutions the company is reportedly considering include developing proprietary chips, strengthening its partnership with Nvidia, which holds more than 70% of the market share, and exploring alternative chip suppliers.
Meanwhile, if OpenAI starts making chips, it would join a small group of tech companies, such as Google and Amazon, that make their own chips.
As of press time, OpenAI has not responded to media requests for comment. #OpenAI #芯片