Intel Turns the Wheel Towards Bringing AI To Vehicles
At the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Intel is making a big move again—the chip giant reveals that the company is developing a new system-on-a-chip (SoC) to power generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in future vehicles.
To achieve this plan, Intel also announced at the event its acquisition of French company Silicon Mobility, which has always been dedicated to improving the efficiency of electric and hybrid vehicles through simplified energy management. This acquisition indicates that Intel definitely has ideas about vehicle energy efficiency transmission in the design of future in-vehicle AI chips.
Jack Weast, Vice President and General Manager of Intel Automotive said: Intel is taking a 'whole vehicle' approach to solving the industry's biggest challenges. Driving innovative AI solutions across the vehicle platform will help the industry navigate the transformation to EVs. The acquisition of Silicon Mobility aligns with our sustainability goals while addressing a critical energy management need for the industry.
System-on-a-Chip (SoC) is a computer system integrated on a single chip. It usually includes a CPU, storage, memory, etc. Intel said that the development of their new in-car SoC series will allow generative AI capabilities including monitoring drivers and passengers, conducting high-definition video conferences, AI assistants, and others.
Meanwhile, once vehicles are equipped with the in-vehicle chips, any functional upgrades on future vehicles can be completed through software updates, without the need to install new physical components to achieve functional improvements—similar to how each iPhone update is achieved through Apple releasing new versions of iOS.
In addition to this, Intel also stated that they will use a chipset approach to build their automotive SoC, which will allow automakers to incorporate their own specialized chips as part of the entire assembly.
Hence, the company said that it is working with technology research company IMEC on advanced packaging work for SoCs to ensure they meet automotive requirements.
The chip giant also announced at the meeting its first customer for its new SOC—Chinese auto manufacturer Zeekr. The latter plans to use Intel's chips to create an enhanced living room experience for vehicles.
However, in addition to AI capabilities, providing users with a more personalized driving experience, and the ability to download functionality upgrades to vehicles over the network, Intel also hopes its chips can help automakers reduce the total number of electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles. ECUs are the centers running various functions in cars and trucks, from air conditioners, and electric seats to almost anything else in the car.
However, for Intel, while it may have a colorful and grand ideal, the actual situation could be a grim reality because the automotive industry has always been very slow in adopting new technologies. Sometimes even consumer-favored proven technologies might be dropped by automakers.
For example, General Motors previously decided to remove Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto, replacing them with its own infotainment system. Although GM's self-developed system will still include built-in Google apps, such as maps, it's not as straightforward as connect the phone for seamless integration.
Therefore, let's see how much of Intel's ambitious goal of in-vehicle AI chips can be realized.