Volvo has picked up the NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 deep learning- based computing engine to power a fleet of 100 Volvo XC90 SUVs starting to hit the road next year NVIDIA announced today. They will be part of the Swedish car manufacturer’s Drive Me autonomous-car pilot program. Autonomous technology is an important contributor toVolvo’s Vision 2020 – its guiding principles for creating safer vehicles.
Marcus Rothoff, director of the Autonomous Driving Program at Volvo Cars said,
“Our vision is that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by the year 2020. NVIDIA’s high-performance and responsive automotive platform is an important step towards our vision and perfect for our autonomous drive program and the Drive Me project.”
Volvo’s Drive Me autonomous pilot program will equip the luxury cars with the NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 engine, which uses deep learning to navigate the complexities of driving.The cars will operate autonomously on roads around Gothenburg, the carmaker’s hometown.
Recognizing Objects Beyond Reach of Human Algorithms
The NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 engine will enable cars to utilize deep learning – a type of artificial intelligence – to identify objects in their environment, anticipate potential threats and vulnerabilities and navigate safely. With 8 teraflops of processing power – which is equal to 150 MacBook Pros –it processes data from multiple sensors in real time and provides 360-degree detection of lanes, vehicles, pedestrians, signs and more, to enable a variety of autopilot functions.
Map Localization and Path Planning
For map localization and path planning, the system can compare real-time situational awareness with a known map so that the system can plan a safe route and drive. DRIVE PX 2 will also perform other critical functions such as stitching camera inputs to create a complete surround-view of the car.
Above all in spite of capable of performing so many critical functions, the DRIVE PX 2 is just the size of a tablet.
