Nvidia Deepens Asia AI Supply Chain Ties as Uber Advances Robotaxi Plans in Europe

Nvidia has significantly increased its dependence on Asian manufacturers for AI-related production, with suppliers in the region now accounting for approximately 90% of the company's production costs, up from about 65% a year earlier. This shift coincides with Nvidia's expansion into physical AI applications and comes as the company continues major investments in Taiwan. Separately, Uber is progressing with plans to introduce robotaxi services in Europe, selecting Munich for initial testing through partnerships involving autonomous driving technology.

Nvidia's Growing Reliance on Asian Manufacturing

Nvidia's supply chain exposure to Asia has risen sharply as the company scales production of advanced AI chips and related hardware. Key partners include TSMC for fabrication, SK hynix and Samsung for high-bandwidth memory, and firms such as Foxconn and Quanta for server assembly. Bloomberg data compiled in early May 2026 highlights how this integration has driven rallies in associated Asian stocks, including recent gains for South Korean companies like LG Electronics. The trend reflects broader ecosystem demands as Nvidia pursues physical AI initiatives that require additional components routed through established Asian channels.

CEO Jensen Huang has emphasized Taiwan's central role, describing it as the epicenter of the AI ecosystem during visits and announcements in 2026. Nvidia plans substantial ongoing investments there, with reports indicating commitments around $150 billion annually to support manufacturing resilience. This approach balances the company's U.S. server production goals with the need for rapid scaling amid strong global AI demand. Physical AI hardware developments are expected to further widen the scope of components sourced from Asia, as domestic U.S. capacity in advanced packaging and assembly remains in earlier stages of deployment.

Strategic Investments and Geopolitical Context

Nvidia's supply chain strategy includes equity stakes and partnerships across Asian firms, forming what analysts describe as a deepening moat through capital deployment and technical integration. Recent reports note Nvidia's public equity portfolio in suppliers has expanded significantly, with targeted investments supporting the AI ecosystem. Huang has publicly backed Taiwan's manufacturing strengths while noting China as a continued important market, even as export considerations and regional dynamics influence operations.

These moves occur against a backdrop of efforts to enhance supply chain resilience, including U.S. manufacturing commitments exceeding hundreds of billions in potential value. However, the pace of Asian integration outpaces some domestic expansions, particularly for newer product lines. The developments underscore Nvidia's position as a major purchaser within Taiwan's technology ecosystem, where partnerships span over 150 suppliers for elements from chips and packaging to full system integration.

Uber's Robotaxi Expansion in Europe

Uber has selected Munich as the site for initial autonomous robotaxi testing in Germany, aiming to become the first city in the country to offer such services via its app. The initiative involves collaboration with Israeli AI startup Autobrains and leverages Nvidia's DRIVE Hyperion platform for vehicle computing and decision-making capabilities. Plans call for operations under regulatory oversight, with Munich's urban density and road networks viewed as suitable for scaling trials.

This effort builds on Uber's broader strategy of partnering with autonomous technology providers to deploy Level 4 capable vehicles. Earlier announcements referenced potential involvement with firms like Momenta for European markets starting in 2026, initially with safety operators aboard. The company has signaled ambitions for robotaxi availability in more than 10 markets globally by the end of the year, encompassing locations in the U.S., Middle East, and additional European cities pending approvals.

Implications for Industry and Regulation

Nvidia's strengthened Asian supply chain ties position the company to meet surging AI hardware demand more effectively but also highlight vulnerabilities tied to geopolitical factors and regional concentration. Affected parties include Asian semiconductor and electronics firms benefiting from increased orders, as well as global customers reliant on Nvidia's ecosystem for data centers and emerging physical AI applications. Strategic consequences may involve accelerated innovation in partner ecosystems alongside ongoing discussions around diversification and resilience.

For Uber, progress toward robotaxis in Europe represents a step in commercializing autonomous mobility outside core U.S. and Chinese markets. Key actors such as regulators in Germany and other EU nations will play pivotal roles in determining timelines and operational parameters. Practical outcomes could include shifts in urban transportation patterns, impacts on traditional ride-hailing drivers, and competitive dynamics among autonomous vehicle developers. Overall, these parallel developments illustrate the interplay between semiconductor leadership and mobility innovation in shaping technology adoption.

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