Volvo plans Nvidia-powered, driver-supervised urban driving system by 2030
Volvo plans to introduce hands-free, point-to-point driving across its vehicle range before the end of the decade, using Nvidia technology. The Level 2++ system is intended to manage complex urban driving, including traffic lights, stop signs and unprotected left turns, while remaining a driver-supervised feature.
It will use Nvidia’s Hyperion hardware and Alpamayo software, alongside Volvo sensors and driver-monitoring technology; lidar is not currently planned. Volvo says connected safety features could share information about hazards beyond what a car’s own sensors detect. The move follows setbacks with its Ride Pilot system, which failed to gain US regulatory approval, and plans for lidar that were dropped after supplier Luminar went bankrupt. Volvo has not said which models will receive the system first.
- Volvo targets hands-free urban driving before 2030.
- Nvidia will provide the driving platform and software.
- The Level 2++ system will still require driver supervision.
New here? Start with this
Volvo is a Swedish carmaker, and Nvidia is a US technology company best known for its computer chips and software. Their planned system would use cameras and other sensors to steer, brake and respond to features such as traffic lights and stop signs on city journeys.
The system is described as driver-supervised: the person at the wheel would still need to watch the road and be ready to take control. Volvo has explored automated driving before, but its earlier Ride Pilot system did not receive US regulatory approval, and its plans to use lidar sensors were dropped after supplier Luminar went bankrupt.
The plan also involves cars sharing safety information over a network, which could alert drivers to hazards their own sensors have not detected. Volvo has not named the first models expected to receive the system.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A driver-supervised system that handles demanding urban manoeuvres could reduce the strain of driving and help prevent collisions, while keeping the driver responsible and ready to intervene. Using Nvidia’s technology alongside Volvo’s sensors and monitoring systems may let the company build on established expertise and bring the feature to more models, with connected hazard information offering added potential safety benefits.
The case against
Urban driving involves unpredictable situations, so hands-free operation may encourage drivers to rely on a system that can still make mistakes, even when they are expected to supervise it. Volvo’s earlier approval setbacks and the decision to proceed without lidar also raise reasonable questions about whether the system will be capable and dependable enough for complex streets by 2030.
AI Americas Art Culture Technology World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Verge as “Volvo will use Nvidia’s tech for hands-free, point-to-point driving”.