Volvo Cars expands Nvidia partnership for self-driving tech

Volvo Cars is enhancing its collaboration with Nvidia to develop advanced driver-assistance and autonomous-driving technology, the companies announced on Thursday. Volvo will integrate its safety systems and engineering skills with Nvidia's artificial intelligence and computing technologies, such as the Hyperion sensor, computer architecture, and autonomous-driving software stack.

Alwin Bakkenes, Volvo Cars' head of software engineering, explained that the initial rollout would concentrate on supervised driving features, with drivers remaining in control of the vehicle. Eventually, Volvo aims to incorporate more sophisticated capabilities such as hands-free driving in urban settings and on highways.

Major automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ford are also seeking more sophisticated automated-driving systems, ranging from hands-free highway driving to limited-self-driving operations. Tesla is striving for wider approval of its assisted-driving technology across Europe, with a possible EU-wide vote in December. The Volvo-Nvidia partnership is expected to see the technology in Volvo vehicles before 2030, with simultaneous launches in multiple regions, excluding China, according to Bakkenes.

Volvo, majority owned by China's Geely Holding, has yet to decide on a pricing model, but features will be available across different model ranges, not just for premium vehicles. Nvidia has established partnerships with numerous automakers, including Mercedes, Jaguar Land Rover, and Hyundai. Ali Kani, Nvidia's automotive chief, emphasized that the most crucial aspect of autonomous driving assist technology is safety. Kani stated that they believe their collaboration with Volvo will enhance the safety of the system.