NVIDIA has unveiled a groundbreaking platform designed for fully autonomous vehicles, marking a significant step forward in the development of self-driving technology. According to Reuters, the Silicon Valley-based chipmaker has introduced its first computer chip tailored specifically for fully automated driving systems. The company has already secured over 25 customers and is working on next-generation driverless cars, self-driving taxis, and long-haul trucks.
Deutsche Post, the world's largest postal and logistics company, and ZF, a top supplier of autonomous vehicle parts, plan to deploy fleets built with this new chip as early as 2019. This chip is the third generation of NVIDIA’s "Drive PX" project, code-named "Pegasus." Despite its compact size—roughly the size of a car license plate—it delivers data center-level processing power.
Pegasus boasts a speed of 320 teraflops per second, a 13-fold improvement over its predecessor, the Drive PX 2. NVIDIA claims that a single Xavier-class processor is sufficient for Level 3 semi-autonomous driving, while multiple mobile GPUs can support full Level 5 autonomy. Level 5 means complete automation without any human intervention, eliminating the need for a steering wheel or brakes.
Experts believe this innovation is a crucial milestone in the future of autonomous vehicles. On the day before the U.S. stock market opened, NVIDIA’s stock rose 3.8% to $192.37 per share, reflecting strong investor confidence. The company's stock has surged by 80% this year alone.
While NVIDIA leads the charge, competitors like Intel, NXP, and Renesas are not far behind. Intel, through its Mobileye division, is collaborating with BMW and Delphi to develop an autonomous platform expected by 2021. NXP recently merged with Qualcomm, becoming the largest supplier of automotive electronics, while Renesas continues to strengthen its position in microcontroller technology.
Danny Shapiro, Director of Automotive Projects at NVIDIA, noted that most of the 25 customers using Pegasus are focused on self-driving taxis, which operate without steering wheels or brakes and are limited to specific lanes. Some major automakers are expected to announce new models based on Pegasus soon.
At a developer conference in Munich, NVIDIA announced that the Pegasus product line would be available to car manufacturers in mid-2018 for research and software testing. The company has also partnered with Deutsche Post and ZF on the StreetScooter delivery truck, which features six cameras, radar, and a lidar sensor.
The first batch of these autonomous delivery vans will operate within distribution centers or on long-distance routes. As Shapiro explained, they won’t replace drivers but will make them more efficient and safer. Currently, the Drive PX2 is being used by 225 customers, including automakers, suppliers, and mapping companies. Upgrading to Pegasus allows existing software to remain compatible.
Notable clients include Tesla (Model 3), Audi A8 (the first Level 3 vehicle), Toyota’s next-gen self-driving cars, and Geely’s Volvo. Analysts like De Ambroggi have praised Pegasus for its performance, calling it the first platform capable of enabling full autonomy and allowing software improvements before real-world deployment.
However, some experts caution that while Pegasus excels in controlled environments like private lanes, it may only help automakers build prototypes for full autonomy. Regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and testing challenges could delay the widespread adoption of fully autonomous vehicles for personal use until after 2025.
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Benefits
1. Demand Response: Helps businesses manage peak load periods by shifting energy usage to off-peak times, reducing costs.
2. Renewable Energy Integration: Stores surplus energy generated from wind or solar sources for use when production is low.
3. Grid Reliability: Provides backup power during grid outages and helps stabilize the grid by smoothing out fluctuations in supply and demand.
4. Energy Efficiency: Enables better management of energy consumption, potentially reducing overall utility bills.
5. Resilience: Increases building resilience against power outages by providing local energy storage capabilities.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Cost: While the initial investment can be high, the long-term savings and operational flexibility can justify the cost over time.
2. Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of different storage technologies varies. For instance, lithium-ion batteries have concerns related to resource extraction and disposal.
3. Safety: Proper handling and disposal of batteries and other components require adherence to safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
4. Regulatory Frameworks: Different regions have varying regulations regarding energy storage systems, affecting their implementation and operation.
Cabinet type batteries offer a versatile tool for businesses to optimize their energy use, enhance sustainability, and improve grid stability. As technology advances and costs decrease, these systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in the transition towards more sustainable and resilient solar power system.
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