日本的“AI大业”全靠疯狂砸钱？

Group 1 - SoftBank is exploring potential acquisitions in the AI sector, including data center operator Switch, and previously considered acquiring Marvell Technology to merge with ARM for a stronger position in the AI semiconductor market [1][2] - The company has invested significantly in AI, with plans to invest up to $9 billion in AI projects by May 2024, and has invested in 335 AI-related companies through its Vision Funds [2][3] - Despite the substantial investments, there are concerns about the profitability of AI ventures, as many companies adopting generative AI have not yet seen significant returns [4][5] Group 2 - SoftBank's Vision Fund has faced significant losses, with a reported loss of ¥5.3 trillion (approximately $39.77 billion) in the fiscal year 2022, indicating a need to recover through AI investments [7][8] - The company aims to establish a comprehensive AI infrastructure, including AI chips, data centers, and robotics, amidst a growing demand for AI applications across various sectors [8][9] - Japan's AI development is lagging compared to other countries, with only 26.7% of the population having used generative AI, prompting SoftBank to play a crucial role in advancing Japan's AI initiatives [11][12] Group 3 - The global AI investment landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with major companies like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Google, and Oracle significantly increasing their capital expenditures on AI [21][22] - Concerns about an AI bubble are rising, with a notable percentage of investors viewing AI-related stocks as overvalued, leading to caution in further investments [5][9] - The rising costs associated with AI infrastructure, particularly in Japan, are creating challenges for the industry, with data center construction costs increasing by 69% from 2021 to 2023 [19][20]