CASTEC teams collaborates with IEI and AMD to showcase AI-Powered Mobile Collaborative Robot "i-Operator" at Advancing AI 2026

AI-Powered i-Operator Elevates Intelligent Material Handling.

Traditionally, i-Operator combines precise AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) navigation with reliable Cobot (Collaborative Robot) handling capabilities to support the transportation of semiconductor carriers, including Reticle PODs, FOUPs, FOSBs, Magazines, and JEDEC Trays, etc. It performs material transport, pick-and-place operations, loading and unloading, replenishment, and task status monitoring, enabling automated material handling in semiconductor cleanrooms.

However, as manufacturing environment become more dynamic and less standardized, conventional rule-based systems face increasing challenges in adapting to changing operational requirements.

To address this need, the IEI NANO-X100 has been introduced as the intelligent computing core of the system. Powered by the AMD Ryzen™ AI Embedded X100 Series processor, it combines “Zen 5” CPU architecture, RDNA™ 3.5 graphics, and an the XDNA™ 2 NPU AI accelerator. This enables i-Operator to process vision, sensor and control data directly at the edge, reducing latency and minimizing dependence on external computing resources.

Key Application Highlights

Advanced Vision Recognition
•    Instantly identifies thousands of object types and shapes.
•    Expands beyond semiconductor carrier handling.
•    Enables facility inspection and security monitoring with response times measured in seconds.

Dynamic Task Control
•    Adjusts robotic arm motion paths in real time based on operating conditions.
•    Reduces manual intervention and operation time.

Simplified Human-Robot Collaboration
•    Leverages natural language processing capabilities enabled by AI PC technology.
•    Allows operators to assign new tasks without complex programming or configuration.

Reducing Repetitive Work Through Intelligent Automation
William Lin, Director of CASTEC International Corp., commented:
"We are not just building machines; we are creating time for businesses and workers, allowing people to focus on more creative and higher-value work. The goal of i-Operator is to combine AMRs, collaborative robots, and edge AI to automate tasks that are repetitive, precision-critical, or potentially hazardous. By taking over material handling, loading and unloading, and inspection tasks, automation enables companies to redirect manpower towards higher-value tasks such as equipment management, process optimization, and R&D while improving operational consistency and efficiency."

Driving Smart Manufacturing Through Ecosystem Collaboration
This collaboration brings together CASTEC's expertise in collaborative robot system integration, IEI's embedded computing platform, and the edge AI capabilities of the AMD Ryzen™ AI Embedded X100 Series processor.

The joint solution demonstrates the practical deployment potential of AI technologies in smart manufacturing and industrial robotics while establishing a foundation for future applications. CASTEC will continue working with industry partners to expand i-Operator beyond precision wafer handling into a broader range of industrial environments, helping manufacturers build more flexible, efficient, and intelligent production workflows.

About CASTEC International Corp. 

CASTEC International Corp. develops world-class industrial automation solutions. Leveraging deep expertise in semiconductor industry, the company accelerates the convergence of AMRs and cobots to provide worldwide manufacturing sector with smarter, safer, next-generation workforce alternatives. 

AMD, the AMD arrow logo, Ryzen RDNA, XDNA and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.