WOLFSBURG / MUNICH – In a strategic move towards embracing the digital future, the Volkswagen Group has reaffirmed its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) by partnering with the leading US technology company NVIDIA. This collaboration aims to bolster Volkswagen’s expertise in deep learning, marking a significant stride in the automotive giant’s digital transformation journey.

At the forefront of this initiative is Volkswagen IT, which is spearheading efforts to harness the potential of AI through advanced systems developed at the Volkswagen Data Lab. With a focus on deep learning, IT experts at the Data Lab are paving the way for groundbreaking applications across various domains, including corporate processes and mobility services.

The Data Lab, christened as Volkswagen’s center of excellence for AI and data analysis, serves as the incubator for cutting-edge innovations. Specialists within the lab are actively exploring the integration of deep learning techniques to optimize traffic flow in urban landscapes, a move that underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility solutions.

Dr. Martin Hofmann, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Volkswagen Group, emphasized the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in shaping the company’s digital strategy. He stated, “Artificial intelligence is the key to the digital future of the Volkswagen Group. We want to develop and deploy high-performance AI systems ourselves.”

Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the transformative power of AI in revolutionizing enterprise computing. He remarked, “NVIDIA’s deep learning solutions will enable Volkswagen to turn the enormous amounts of information in its data centers into valuable insight, and transform its business.”

In a bid to nurture innovation within the automotive industry, Volkswagen has launched a startup support program at its Data Lab. This initiative aims to foster collaboration with international startups specializing in machine learning and deep learning applications. The partnership with NVIDIA will further amplify this endeavor, with both entities set to admit five startups to the support program.

Moreover, Volkswagen and NVIDIA are set to inaugurate a “Summer of Code” camp, providing a platform for talented students to delve into deep learning methodologies. High-performing students with backgrounds in IT, mathematics, or physics will have the opportunity to develop and implement deep learning algorithms in a robotics environment, fostering the next generation of AI pioneers.

This collaboration between Volkswagen and NVIDIA underscores a shared vision of harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence to drive innovation and reshape the future of mobility.