Schneider Electric, Foxconn partner on AI data centre blueprint

Global energy firm Schneider Electric and Taiwan’s Hon Hai Technology Group, known worldwide as Foxconn, have struck a new partnership that will see them jointly develop and scale infrastructure for next-generation AI data centres.

The companies said the partnership would combine Foxconn’s AI rack integration, advanced compute platforms and manufacturing expertise with Schneider Electric’s power, cooling and energy management technology. 

Their aim is to develop ready-to-deploy, standardised framework solutions that can be used by customers as blueprints for AI factories worldwide to build and operate AI infrastructure with greater speed, efficiency and predictability. 

Standardisation would reduce the need for customers to create bespoke power and cooling solutions at each data centre location, reducing complexity and deployment timelines. 

Foxconn Chairman Young Liu highlighted how the new model would help operators deploy AI at scale, as the demand for AI continues to accelerate.

“At the pace AI is evolving, the industry requires a new model for how infrastructure is designed, built and delivered,” he said.

“By combining Foxconn’s strength in AI systems and global manufacturing with Schneider Electric’s deep expertise in power and energy, we are creating a path for customers to deploy AI capacity at scale – faster, smarter and more sustainably.” 

The pair said the partnership will also explore making the most of close-loop energy, modular power, and cooling skids.

View from Schneider Electric

“AI demand continues to accelerate, and as compute scales to keep pace, the energy behind it becomes a fundamental enabler,” said Schneider Electric CEO Olivier Blum.

“If we want to scale AI responsibly, these systems must be connected. This is where energy intelligence becomes essential.

“At Schneider Electric, we are advancing energy tech to build the most efficient and sustainable AI factories by bringing integrated power, cooling, and digital capabilities into AI data centres.

“Working with Foxconn, we are helping customers build capacity with real speed, resilience, and efficiency, as energy technology partners to an industry that is firmly entering the era of intelligence.” 

Production of the companies’ first AI infrastructure solutions is set to begin later this year.