Intel Competes With Qualcomm And Nvidia, Launches Automotive Special Chip

Intel will launch an automotive version of their latest chip. (photo: x @carwatch)

JAKARTA - Intel announced on Tuesday, January 9, that it will launch an automotive version of the latest chip equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). This latest version of the chip, challenges Qualcomm and Nvidia in the semiconductor market that can drive the brain of future cars.

The company also announced its plans to acquire Silicon Mobility, a French startup designing system-on-a-chip technology and software to control electric vehicle motors and charging systems in it. Intel does not disclose purchase prices for companies owned by the Cipio Partners and Capital-E venture funds.

Chinese automaker Zeekr will be the first to use Intel's AI system on a chip to create an "enhanced living room experience" in its vehicles, including voice assistant AI and video conferencing, Intel's Head of Automotive Business, Jack Wear, said before the CES technology exhibition in Las Vegas.

"The new Intel product in the form of an automotive on-a chip system will adapt the company's latest AI PC technology to meet vehicle durability and performance requirements," Weast said, quoted by VOI from Reuters.

Although Intel has provided chips for entertainment systems within 50 million vehicles, the company is surpassed by Nvidia and Qualcomm in a growing semiconductor market for automated driver technology, vehicle system software updates, and complex dashboard views.

"Intelah melakukan pekerjaan yang cukup buruk dalam mengkomunikasikan kesuksesan kami di bidang otomotif," kata Weast yang menegaskan bahwa mereka akan mengubah hal tersebut.

Intel is trying to differentiate itself from competitors by offering chips that automakers can use for all their product lines, from the cheapest to premium vehicles, he added.

"If artificial intelligence in the car means 500 watts... and an unexpected cost... it is not measurable," Weast said referring to Nvidia's powerful and expensive product.

Nvidia previously formed an alliance with MediaTek from Taiwan to offer a series of chips at lower costs. MediaTek leads in providing technology for Android-based infotainment views used in lower-priced vehicles.

The fast-growing electric vehicle market in China will be a battleground for chipmakers. Chinese automakers are racing to offer advanced entertainment systems and automatic drivers. For example, Zeekr is a customer for technology both from Intel and Nvidia.

Weast also stated that Intel will be "agnostically" against what technology automaker customers want to use for auto drivers or other functions.

He added that Intel would not force automakers to use advanced driver chips designed by its mobileye units in the past. Instead, automakers can ask Intel to include their own chipsets to enable certain functions into Intel systems at a lower cost.