NVIDIA is reportedly developing an in-house self-driving robotaxi project, with an announcement expected to follow an upcoming all-hands meeting. According to reports, the project will be based on the company’s new DRIVE AGX Thor system.
Industry sources report that NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang plans to assign the self-driving robotaxi initiative to senior director Ruchi Bhargava. The project is set to adopt a one-step technology route, based on information from foreign media quoting sources. This approach exclusively uses an end-to-end neural network. The core of this technology involves strengthening the neural network’s training through a world model created with simulation technology, a method noted as similar to how Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system operates.
A report from UDN indicates that sensor components and lens applications are considered “crucial” for the robotaxi’s development. Due to the importance of these parts, the report suggests that Taiwanese companies are positioned to “benefit greatly.” Among the firms mentioned are Tong Hsing Electronics and Yanguang, which contribute to the sensor and lens supply chain.
Furthering the focus on sensor technology, OmniVision, the world’s second-largest CMOS image sensor (CIS) supplier, recently announced its entry into the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor ecosystem. Industry observers believe this move will directly assist NVIDIA in the creation of its self-driving robotaxi project, highlighting the significance of image sensors in this field. As OmniVision’s main packaging and testing partner, Tongxin Electronics is also expected to benefit from the collaboration, according to UDN.
Upon its debut, NVIDIA’s platform will compete with companies in the autonomous vehicle space such as Tesla and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. More details about the in-house self-driving robotaxi platform are expected to be released in the coming weeks and months.
