Volvo And Nvidia Developing AI-Based Computer For Next-Gen Cars

Volvo and Nvidia are working on an AI-capable core computer that will be inserted in the Swedish automaker’s next-generation cars beginning early in the next decade.

The core computer is based on Nvidia’s Drive AGX Xavier technology, which will be adopted by upcoming Scalable Product Architecture 2 (SPA2) vehicles. The two companies have been working together since last year, when they began joint-development of advanced systems and software for self-driving cars.

“A successful launch of autonomous drive will require an enormous amount of computing power as well as constant advances in artificial intelligence,” stated Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson. “Our agreement with Nvidia is an important piece of that puzzle and helps us to safely introduce fully autonomous Volvo cars to our customers.”

The new computing platform should allow Volvo to take massive steps forward in implementing advanced driver support systems, energy management tech and even in-car personalization options. Meanwhile, by bringing with it advanced 360-degree perception capabilities and a driver monitoring system, the new core computer will ultimately help Volvo roll out their first fully-autonomous cars.

“As a world-leader in safety technology and innovation, Volvo understands there is a direct connection between safety, comfort, and the computing capability inside the vehicle,” added Nvidia founder and CEO, Jensen Huang.

Volvo’s upcoming SPA2 vehicle architecture will follow in the footsteps of the automaker’s award-winning SPA modular vehicle architecture, which supports current new 90 Series and 60 Series models. What SPA2 will do is take the current platform’s existing advantages, while adding next-gen technologies such as electrification, connectivity and autonomous drive.