Intel INTC.O said on Tuesday it would launch automotive versions of its latest artificial intelligence chips, taking on Qualcomm
QCOM.O and Nvidia NVDA.O in the market for semiconductors capable of powering the brains of future cars.
Intel also announced plans to acquire Silicon Mobility, a French startup that designs systems-on-chip and software to control electric vehicle motors and in-vehicle charging systems. Intel did not disclose the purchase price of this closely held company, controlled by venture capital funds Cipio Partners and Capital-E.
Chinese automaker Zeekr ZK.N will be the first automaker to use Intel’s artificial intelligence system-on-chip to create “an enhanced living room experience” in vehicles, including artificial intelligence voice assistants and video conference, Jack Weast, head of Intel’s automotive business, said before the CES technology show in Las Vegas.
Intel’s new automotive SoCs will adapt the company’s recently launched AI PC technology to vehicle durability and performance requirements, Weast said.
Intel has supplied chips for infotainment systems installed in 50 million vehicles, but has been overshadowed by Nvidia and Qualcomm in the growing market for powerful semiconductors required by automated driving technology, scalable vehicle system software and complex dashboard displays.
“Intel has communicated its success in automobiles very poorly,” Mr. Weast said during a conference call ahead of the announcement at the CES technology show in Las Vegas. “We’re going to change that
Intel will try to stand out from its rivals by offering chips that automakers can use across their product lines, from the lowest-cost to high-end vehicles, Mr. Weast said.
“If AI in the car means 500 watts…and God knows what costs…that’s not scalable,” Mr. Weast said, referring to Nvidia’s powerful and expensive products.
Last year, Nvidia formed an alliance with Taiwan’s MediaTek 2454.TW to offer lower-cost chipsets. MediaTek is a leader in providing technology for Android-based infotainment displays used in low-cost vehicles.
China’s fast-growing electric vehicle market will be a battleground for chipmakers. Chinese automakers are racing to offer advanced infotainment systems and automated driving. Zeekr, for example, is a technology customer from Intel and Nvidia.
Intel will also be “agnostic” when it comes to technology for automated driving or other features that automakers’ customers want to use, he said.
Intel will not require automakers to use advanced driving chips designed by its former Mobileye unit. Instead, automakers can ask Intel to incorporate their own chips to enable specific functions in the Intel system at a lower cost.