Intel, Waymo collaborate on self-driving cars
According to Intel, Waymo’s newest vehicles feature Intel-based technologies for sensor processing, general compute, and connectivity. By working closely with Waymo on the design of its platform, says Intel, it has helped enable the company’s self-driving Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans to be capable of making real-time decisions for full autonomy in city conditions.
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich told Reuters that Intel had built custom silicon that fit Waymo’s sensor fusion needs. “Over time we’ll both learn we can bring more of the software … down onto the silicon, because you get performance, cost and power,” he said. “There will be a regular cadence of new innovation and new silicon that comes out. That’s really what we both get out of this.”
As Waymo’s self-driving technology advances, Intel says it will be able to provide Waymo’s fleet of vehicles the advanced processing power required for level 4 and 5 autonomy. According to the company, Waymo cars with Intel technology inside have already processed more self-driving car miles than any other autonomous fleet on U.S. roads.
“As the most advanced vehicles on the road today, our self-driving cars require the highest-performance compute to make safe driving decisions in real-time,” Waymo CEO John Krafcik told TechCrunch. “Intel’s technology supports the advanced processing inside our vehicles, with the ability to manufacture to meet Waymo’s needs at scale.”
Intel has been expanding into the autonomous vehicle and AI space. Its largest and most recent move was the $15B acquisition of automotive vision company Mobileye in March. Last September, the company acquired AI computer vision startup Movidius, and in November the company announced a new division dedicated to autonomous driving, called the Automated Driving Group, which was spun out of its Internet of Things business.
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