Korean data center chip manufacturer FADU has introduced what it labels the world's first file-semantic solid-state drive (SSD), a storage innovation aimed at enabling artificial intelligence (AI) systems to retrieve data more quickly while minimizing computational overhead and energy usage.
At the 2026 Open Compute Project Global Summit in San Jose, California, held from Monday to Thursday with the theme “Scaling Innovation for the AI Era,” the company launched its file-semantic SSD, or FS-SSD.
In contrast to traditional SSDs that use block addresses for data management, FADU’s FS-SSD is engineered to directly identify and handle files, transferring responsibilities typically managed by a server's CPU and operating system into the storage device.
The technology employs FADU’s sixth-generation SSD controller, featuring firmware that manages file searches, access rights, and file-to-address mapping within the drive.
By integrating file requests into conventional Non-Volatile Memory Express commands, the system enables accelerators like graphics processing units and data processing units, along with remote servers, to directly read and write files without sending requests through the central processing unit (CPU).
The strategy addresses an escalating bottleneck in AI infrastructure, where frequent access to training data and the storage of model checkpoints can significantly strain processors and raise latency.
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FADU claimed that its technology could remove intermediary processing layers, enabling storage servers to function with reduced CPU, memory, and software infrastructure, which could lower energy consumption and operating expenses.
The firm intends to advance the technology into DPU-oriented hostless storage servers and expandable file storage systems, while offering reference designs to original equipment vendors and original design manufacturers.
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At the summit, FADU showcased its sixth-generation FC6161 controller featuring a 16-terabyte SSD, achieving performance levels up to 2.5 times greater than its earlier Gen5 technology.
The firm stated that the entire Gen6-based SSD uses under 28 watts for sequential writes and under 5 watts while in standby mode.
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FADU indicated that AI data centers need efficiency in power usage, stable latency, power control, and superior cooling, stating that the firm intends to be a top supplier of AI storage solutions.