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This breakthrough is not just another upgrade; it is a revolution rooted in necessity. With decades of reliance on silicon chips, which have powered everything from artificial intelligence to gaming consoles, the industry has reached a point of stagnation. As transistor sizes shrink to near atomic levels, silicon chips are beginning to falter, grappling with issues of overheating, power leakage, and exorbitant production costs.
Recognizing these limitations, researchers at Peking University have stepped up to the challenge. In March 2025, they showcased the world's first carbon-based AI chip, utilizing carbon nanotubes—tiny cylinders of carbon atoms known for their strength and flexibility—to create a chip that is not only faster but fundamentally changes the rules of computing.