General Motors says it is developing its next generation of vehicles with self-driving technology, robots and factories with NVIDIA AI chips, the companies announced Tuesday.
GM already uses NVIDIA’s GPUs to train its AI software for simulation and validation. The announcement about the companies’ expanded involvement is focused on improving the automaker’s manufacturing operations globally, as well as development of autonomous vehicles, GM CEO Mary Barra says.
GM says it will use NVIDIA’s “AI brain” products for future vehicles with advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving. It also will employ the chipmaker’s AI training software to innovate around making vehicle assembly line robots better and more efficient, as well as for its Omniverse 3D graphics platform, which runs simulations on virtual assembly lines to improve productivity.
“AI not only optimizes manufacturing processes and accelerates virtual testing but also helps us build smarter vehicles while empowering our workforce to focus on craftsmanship,” Barra says. “By merging technology with human ingenuity, we unlock new levels of innovation in vehicle manufacturing and beyond.”
GM last year ended its Cruise robotaxi operations, but Barra said at the time that the automaker would continue its development of self-driving technology, but without being in the robotaxi business, which the CEO said “is not a good fit with our business model.”
NVIDIA already partners with numerous automakers to supply chips for advanced driver assistance systems, including several Chinese brands. NVIDIA has become one of the world’s most valuable companies, worth nearly $3 trillion.
ADAS need powerful AI chips to process vast amounts of data from cameras, radars and sensors at hyperfast speed to help the car react in real time, detecting stationary and moving objects, as well as lines on the road, road signs and road-side transponders to make active driving decisions.
Future GM vehicles will use NVIDIA’s Drive AGX system-on-a-chip (SoC) that supports Level 2 and above self-driving technology. The automaker says it will also use NVIDIA’s Drive operating system for in-vehicle screen interfaces.
