AI data center infrastructure technological evolution

The data center industry is undergoing technological shifts to address the massive power and thermal demands of artificial intelligence workloads.

Initial developments include the introduction of direct current (DC) solutions, such as ABB’s Infinitus portfolio, which aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce infrastructure footprints. Research has also moved toward biological computing, with a prototype in Singapore utilizing lab-grown human neurons, or ‘wetware’, to process data. Additionally, Sweden has emerged as a significant location for expansion due to its fossil-free electricity and cool climate.

At Data Centre World Asia 2026, industry leaders showcased specialized infrastructure innovations to meet high power density requirements. MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation presented AI server platforms for ‘Agentic AI factories’, featuring liquid-cooled GPU servers and high-density training platforms, while collaborating with Micron on advanced SSD and memory solutions to address data bandwidth challenges.

Modular and integrated solutions have also gained prominence. TECO Electric & Machinery introduced integrated modular data center (MDC) solutions to accelerate deployment in Southeast Asia, and Shinsung E&G promoted its ‘AIO’ (All In One) cooling platform, a server-integrated module designed to reduce physical footprint and construction time. Furthermore, Samsung SDI unveiled its first cylindrical Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, alongside advanced Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and Battery Backup Unit (BBU) solutions optimized specifically for AI workloads.