Nvidia Inks Deep Learning Development Deals with Volvo and VW

California chipmaker Nvidia Corp. has signed separate agreements with Volvo Car Group and Volkswagen AG to develop “deep learning” artificial intelligence systems for autonomous vehicle technologies.

Nvidia’s Drive PX2 in-vehicle supercomputer uses AI and deep learning to quickly teach itself safe driving techniques from simulations, millions of miles of on-the-road videos, real-world testing and input from engineers and professional drivers. With the ability to process 24-trillion operations per second, the system continually gathers and integrates information from dozens of sensors while a vehicle is driving.   

The deal with Volvo builds on the Zenuity joint venture the carmaker formed with Autoliv Inc. earlier this year. With a goal of launching an autonomous vehicle by 2021, the partners will integrate Nvidia’s Drive PX processing platform with advanced software and sensors developed by Volvo, Autoliv and Zenuity for commercial applications.

Meanwhile, VW announced plans to work with Nvidia on deep-learning technologies in conjunction with the carmaker’s new Data Lab in Wolfsburg, Germany. The partners also are launching a program to support tech startups that are developing machine learning and deep learning applications, with a goal of selecting the first five participants this autumn.