Nvidia teams up with Uber, VW for self-driving, AI tech

Graphics company Nvidia is no stranger to self-driving technology, having previously shown off its DRIVE range of chips for automotive use. Now, the company has made several important announcements ahead of the CES 2018 expo.

Nvidia used its pre-CES keynote address to confirm that its upcoming DRIVE Xavier chipset will be delivered to customers this quarter. Two Xavier chipsets form part of a larger Nvidia platform for AI and self-driving, dubbed Pegasus. The Pegasus platform will enable so-called level-five autonomous driving, allowing auto brands to ditch steering wheels, pedals and other controls.

In even bigger news, Nvidia also announced a few high-profile partners, in the form of Uber and VW.

“I’m also delighted to announce that Uber has chosen Nvidia technology, we’re partnering together to create self-driving Ubers,” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said during the keynote.

“Developing safe, reliable autonomous vehicles requires sophisticated AI software and a high-performance GPU computing engine in the vehicle,” said Eric Meyhofer, head of Uber Advanced Technologies Group, in a statement. “Nvidia is a key technology provider to Uber as we bring scalable self-driving cars and trucks to market.”

Meanwhile, VW and Nvidia also announced a partnership during the keynote address, which will see Nvidia “infuse” AI into the automaker’s future lineup. The duo didn’t elaborate on the arrangement, but they did reveal a virtual version of the VW Microbus, which can be explored via Nvidia’s HoloDeck design lab.

Featured image: Nvidia blog