Mercedes-Benz and NVIDIA are joining forces to create a new in-vehicle computing system and AI computing infrastructure. The new software-defined architecture, developed by both companies, will support autonomous driving functions on a range of next-generation Mercedes-Benz vehicles by 2024. The new automated driving features will be standard on the next-generation line of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
“We are excited to work with Mercedes-Benz,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “It’s the perfect partner for us, given its long record of innovation and our strong technical relationship.”
“We are delighted to be able to extend our cooperation with NVIDIA,” added Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “Jensen and I know one another well, and we have spent a great deal of time talking about the goals and potential of next-generation vehicle computing architecture.”
Centralized & Defined System
NVIDIA’s latest DRIVE platform includes a full system software stack and will power the new automated driving functions in the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The computer system-on-chip (SoC), called Orin, is based on the recently announced NVIDIA Ampere supercomputing architecture. “This new platform will become an efficient, centralized, and software-defined system in our future Mercedes-Benz vehicles,” Källenius said. “NVIDIA’s AI computing architecture will help us streamline our journey towards autonomous driving.”
Both companies will also utilize the NVIDIA DRIVE Infrastructure for deep neural network development to handle the requirements of the operational domains where the cars will be available.
Over-the-Air Updates
NVIDIA and Mercedes-Benz will focus on SAE Levels 2 and 3, along with automated parking functions up to Level 4. The companies note that as the technology and regulatory framework come to fruition, it will be possible for every vehicle to be updated over-the-air. Such capability would allow for the addition of new convenience, safety, and automated driving functions.
“Together, we’re going to revolutionize the car ownership experience, making the vehicle software programmable and continuously upgradeable via over the air updates,” Huang explained. “Every future Mercedes-Benz with the NVIDIA DRIVE system will come with a team of expert AI and software engineers continuously developing, refining, and enhancing the car over its lifetime.”
“These new capabilities and upgrades will be downloaded from the cloud, improving safety, increasing value, and extending the joy of ownership for all Mercedes-Benz customers,” Källenius added.
