Google Launches Ironwood: Its Most Powerful TPU for AI Inference

Google has unveiled Ironwood, its seventh-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), marking a major leap in AI infrastructure. Announced at Google Cloud Next '25, Ironwood is the tech giant’s first TPU specifically designed for inference — the critical phase in AI where models interpret new data and deliver actionable insights. With advanced hardware architecture and scalability, Ironwood stands at the core of Google Cloud’s AI ambitions.

Ironwood: Built for the Inference Era

Unlike earlier TPUs designed primarily for training AI models, Ironwood shifts focus to inference — where a trained AI makes real-time predictions and decisions. This capability is central to the new wave of “thinking models” such as Large Language Models (LLMs), Mixture of Experts (MoEs), and advanced reasoning systems. These models need immense computing power and seamless communication across hardware — requirements Ironwood is built to meet. Google says the new TPU supports distributed computing for massive-scale AI workloads, reflecting the increasing importance of inference in modern AI ecosystems.

Inside the AI Hypercomputer Architecture

Ironwood is a pillar of Google Cloud’s AI Hypercomputer architecture. It includes up to 9,216 liquid-cooled chips connected via a high-speed Inter-Chip Interconnect (ICI) network that spans nearly 10 megawatts of power. This design enables unprecedented scale and parallel processing, essential for managing models too large for a single chip. Using Google’s Pathways software stack, developers can unlock the power of tens of thousands of TPUs, simplifying the development of next-gen AI applications.

Scalability for Diverse Workloads

To meet varying enterprise needs, Google Cloud will offer Ironwood in two configurations: - A compact 256-chip system - A full-scale 9,216-chip system for enterprise-level operations This flexibility allows businesses to choose the ideal setup for their AI workloads, whether for compact deployments or massive, multi-model AI infrastructure.

Shaping the Future of Intelligent AI

Ironwood is more than a processing unit; it’s a leap toward a future where AI doesn't just process data—it understands, reasons, and collaborates. As AI use cases grow more complex, Ironwood provides the backbone needed to support the next generation of intelligent agents and generative AI tools. Google's investment in inference-optimized TPUs reflects the company's broader commitment to scaling AI infrastructure, reducing energy usage, and enabling developers to build smarter, faster AI solutions across industries.

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