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Palmer Luckey Teases Potential American-Made Computers at Reindustrialize Summit

15 days ago

Palmer Luckey, the founder of Anduril, a defense technology company, made headlines at the Reindustrialize Summit in Detroit on Thursday by hinting that Anduril might produce American-made computers. The summit, focused on modernizing American manufacturing, provided a platform for Luckey to discuss potential moves in the tech industry. Luckey, known for founding Oculus VR before co-founding Anduril in 2017, said he has been in talks with various stakeholders in the computer manufacturing process, including chip makers, assembly companies, and manufacturers. However, he also noted that Anduril might not pursue the endeavor independently. "There are some things Anduril has to do, but there are other things we'd rather have other people do. This is something I'd rather have other people do," Luckey explained. Anduril currently specializes in developing hardware for the U.S. military, such as drones and underwater submersibles, along with an AI-powered software platform called Lattice. The company also collaborates with Meta on projects involving extended reality (XR) headsets and wearable devices for military use, a partnership announced in May. Luckey addressed the audience both virtually and through a humanoid robot created by Foundation, another company. He clarified that Anduril has no plans to build its own humanoid robots and will instead focus on partnerships where it makes sense. When asked about a potential name for the American-made computer, Luckey playfully hinted at a pro-American label with a gambling reference but did not disclose further details. The idea of American-made computers is not new; Dell once operated multiple manufacturing plants in the U.S., but closed its North Carolina facility in 2009 and shifted production to international partners, moving operations from Ireland to Poland. Luckey’s announcement suggests a renewed interest in local manufacturing to enhance national security and reduce reliance on global supply chains, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges. Industry experts see this move as a strategic play to capitalize on the growing emphasis on domestic production and technological sovereignty. The U.S. government has been pushing for more localized tech manufacturing to bolster economic resilience and protect against supply chain disruptions. Anduril, already a leader in defense tech, positioning itself in this space could strengthen its competitive edge and align with broader national objectives. Anduril’s involvement in high-tech military projects and its recent collaborations with big tech players like Meta indicate the company’s capability and ambition to tackle complex manufacturing challenges. However, whether Anduril will follow through on producing American-made computers remains uncertain, as the endeavor involves significant investment and expertise in a highly competitive market. Nevertheless, Luckey’s comments reflect a broader trend in the tech industry towards reindustrialization and the resurgence of local manufacturing capabilities. This shift could have profound implications for the U.S. economy and tech landscape, potentially reducing dependency on foreign supply chains and enhancing cybersecurity and national security.

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