Google Expands Israeli Operations with New AI Chip Team

Google is expanding its operations in Israel by establishing a new team focused on developing artificial intelligence (AI) chips for robots and autonomous systems. The US tech giant has hired Guy Kaminitz, former vice president of R&D at Israeli AI chipmaker Hailo, to lead the new team as silicon engineering head.

Kaminitz recently wrote in a LinkedIn post that he is building 'a world-class engineering group' in Israel from scratch. The team will focus on developing Edge AI processors for network edge devices such as robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles.

Google is actively hiring dozens of engineers to join the new team, with open positions in silicon validation, automation, physical design, verification, and machine learning hardware architecture. This move comes amid a wave of layoffs in the tech industry, including local firms Wix and Rapyd, as well as global heavyweights Meta.

Edge AI processors enable applications to run directly on devices rather than in the cloud, powering various devices such as robots, drones, and smart home appliances. Google has had R&D activity in Israel since 2005, with teams tackling machine learning, AI, natural language processing, and machine perception challenges.