Tokyo, May 7 (Jiji Press)–Intel Corp., Japanese electrical equipment maker Omron Corp. and 13 other companies said Tuesday that they have formed a new organization for research and development on the latter-half process of semiconductor manufacturing.

The Semiconductor Assembly Test Automation and Standardization Research Association, or SATAS, will develop and test equipment needed to automate the latter-half process and save power, with the goal of putting it into practical use in 2028.

The new group is expected to receive subsidies from Japan’s industry ministry.

SATAS, which was established on April 16, is headed by Kunimasa Suzuki, president of Intel K.K., the Japanese unit of the U.S. technology giant. The 15 companies also include Sharp Corp., Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Yamaha Motor Co. and Resonac Holdings Corp.

The move comes as higher levels of semiconductor performance are needed, including amid the spread of artificial intelligence.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]