Mercedes-Benz, Nvidia to develop AI for autonomous driving

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz and American technology company Nvidia  intend to collaborate in the development of a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure and advanced computing system to be ever deployed in a vehicle. 

Beginning 2024, this "groundbreaking" software, which will be created on the Nvidia Drive platform, will be introduced as standard across the array of future Mercedes-Benz models. These will allow the vehicles of the luxury auto brand to obtain upgradable functions for autonomous driving and driving assistance technologies. In terms of autonomous driving, it will cover regular routes from one location to another.

The computer system-on-chip (SoC), which is referred to as Orin, is based on the recently declared Nvidia Ampere supercomputing architecture.

The Nvidia Drive platform also features a complete system software stack configured for autonomous driving AI and vehicle applications, which will include the SAE 2 and 3 levels as well as the automated parking functions (up to Level 4).

For the development of the new models, both Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia will be using the Nvidia Drive infrastructure solutions to allow in-depth neural network development and information-driven development. This will help in dealing with the requirements of the operational domains and areas where the vehicles will be available.

Aside from this, the system will include several convenience and safety applications, which will be the platform’s primary focus. Customers will be able to buy and add subscription services, software applications, and capabilities through downloadable, over-the-air software updates to allow new automated driving functions.  

Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG Ola Kallenius stated that the new system would be a software-defined, centralized, and effective system for the next-generation Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

He also explained that the creation of Nvidia AI computing architecture will seem as if hitting two birds with one stone since the main goal for the development of the platform will be on improved driving experience and on generating a business model from a holistic perspective.

The AI computing architecture is also expected to aid in restructuring the auto company’s journey towards enhanced safety, as it revolutionizes the vehicle ownership experience and significance of Mercedes-Benz customers.

On the other hand, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA Jensen Huang perceives this partnership with Mercedes-Benz as an opportunity to prioritize technology since this will be the first time that the system will be developed from top to bottom and end to end.

All next-generation Mercedes-Benz models, which will be equipped with the Nvidia Drive System, will also come with a group of competent software and AI engineers who will continually improve, refine, and develop the vehicles.

Huang also said that the vehicles would become perpetually upgradable machines since the software will also be developed through AI supercomputers.

The joint announcement of the two companies can be seen here.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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