The race is on to build the world’s most complex machine

Few would anticipate the way forward for synthetic intelligence (AI) to rely on Eindhoven, a quiet Dutch city. But simply past its borders sits the headquarters of ASML, the one firm that makes the machines, often called lithography instruments, wanted to supply cutting-edge AI chips. ASML’s newest creation is a 150-tonne colossus, across the dimension of two delivery containers and priced at round $350m. It’s also probably the most superior machine on the market.