The EconomistThe Economist Try for free Enterprise Log inMenu The EconomistThe EconomistSkip to content Try for free Enterprise Log inMenu The world in brief Catch up on global daily news 1843 magazine Dive into compelling long reads Podcasts Tune into engaging conversations Video Watch engaging short films Digital events Gain insights from experts Newsletters Curated news, direct to your inbox Current topics

Current topics

World

World

Business & economics

Business & economics

Opinion

Opinion

In depth

In depth

Culture & society

Culture & society

Weekly edition

Weekly edition

Our A-to-Zs

Our A-to-Zs

My Economist

Unlimited digital access to all reporting, podcasts, newsletters and events Try for free

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS

Science & technology | Chipmaking

The race is on to build the world’s most complex machine

But toppling ASML will not be easy

Two people dressed in white overall suits in the Cleanroom at ASML Headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands.Photograph: ASML Mar 12th 2025 Share 很少有人会预料到人工智能 (AI) 的未来会取决于埃因霍温,这个安静的荷兰小镇。然而,就在其边界之外,坐落着 ASML 的总部,这是唯一一家制造光刻工具(生产尖端 AI 芯片所需的机器)的公司。ASML 最新创造的是一个重达 150 吨的庞然大物,大约相当于两个集装箱的大小,售价约为 3.5 亿美元。它也是目前市面上最先进的机器。

Already have an account?Log in

Continue with a free trial

Get full access to our independent journalism for free

Free trial Or create a free account to unlock just this article Create account

Explore more

Science & technologyComputingTechnology

Science & technology

March 15th 2025

Share Reuse this content the-economist-today The Economist today

Handpicked stories, in your inbox

A daily newsletter with the best of our journalism Sign up Yes, I agree to receive exclusive content, offers and updates to products and services from The Economist Group. I can change these preferences at any time.

More from Science & technology

An illustration of the profile of a woman with virus shapes around her. This is about the link between Alzheimer's and viruses.

Do viruses trigger Alzheimer’s?

A growing group of scientists think so, and are asking whether antivirals could treat the disease A scale with a big tooth in the middle. The weights are a prwan on one side and toothpaste on the other side.

What is the best way to keep your teeth healthy?

Tooth-brushing reigns supreme. But fluoride in tap water is a good safety net A drone operator of 3rd Assault Brigade is seen working at positions near the frontline in the direction of Borova, rural settlement in Izium Raion, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine.

Ukraine’s embrace of drone warfare has paid off

Two new reports highlight strengths as well as weaknesses

Want even tinier chips? Use a particle accelerator

High-speed electrons can etch nano-scale designs

Is butter bad for you?

A new study suggests olive oil may be a healthier alternative

Two private companies reach the Moon within four days

Though Firefly Aerospace has had better luck than Intuitive Machines

Get The Economist app on iOS or Android The Economist

The Economist

The Economist Group

The Economist Group

Contact

Contact

Careers

Careers

To enhance your experience and ensure our website runs smoothly, we use cookies and similar technologies. Manage cookies