SANTA CLARA — At CES 2018, NVIDIA, a trailblazer in AI computing, joined forces with Volkswagen to unveil a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into Volkswagen’s future vehicle lineup, marking a significant leap forward in automotive innovation. NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang, alongside Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess, shared their vision for how AI and deep learning will redefine the driving experience, with a spotlight on the eagerly anticipated VW I.D. Buzz, an electric car infused with cutting-edge AI technology for both cockpit and self-driving functionalities.
Huang underscored the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing the automotive industry, stating, “In just a few years, every new vehicle will be expected to have AI assistants for voice, gesture, and facial recognition, as well as augmented reality.” He emphasized NVIDIA’s partnership with Volkswagen as a catalyst for realizing this vision, asserting, “Volkswagen’s work with NVIDIA DRIVE IX technology will make that a reality.”
At the heart of this collaboration lies NVIDIA’s DRIVE IX Intelligent Experience platform, a sophisticated software toolkit empowering developers to create AI-enabled applications tailored for vehicles. The VW I.D. Buzz will harness DRIVE IX technology to introduce “Intelligent Co-Pilot” capabilities, augmenting both convenience and safety through sensor data processing and deep learning algorithms.
The I.D. Buzz stands as a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to embracing the future of mobility, with plans to introduce autonomous driving starting in 2020. Leveraging NVIDIA’s technology, Volkswagen aims to launch more than 20 fully electric vehicle models by 2025, solidifying its position as a pioneer in e-mobility.
Roger Lanctot, director at Strategy Analytics, lauded the collaboration between NVIDIA and Volkswagen, recognizing its potential to democratize AI capabilities in vehicles. He commended the VW I.D. Buzz as a harbinger of the future of AI-driven mobility, showcasing innovative AI interfaces, self-driving capabilities, and enhanced driver safety.
As NVIDIA continues to push the boundaries of AI computing, the collaboration with Volkswagen exemplifies its commitment to driving innovation across industries. With the unveiling of the VW I.D. Buzz, NVIDIA and Volkswagen are poised to lead the automotive industry into a new era of AI-driven mobility, redefining the driving experience for generations to come.
