BRN Discussion Ongoing

Ai Labs now makes a guest appearance under Industrial Markets:

Manufacturing is becoming increasingly automated, and sensors are fundamental to capturing and analyzing tolerances and quality. AI has also become a standard component of inferences and automated decisions.
The need for machine learning to add classification categories without disrupting output is critical.
Akida’s high performance to support sensory inputs in real-time with remarkable energy efficiency, and continuous on-chip learning, bring optimized productivity, reduced downtime, and improved security to your factory floor.
System health monitoring is another critical use case that leverages BrainChip’s Akida processor IP. Any piece of machinery produces vibrations or sound representing a healthy state, which changes over time as the equipment ages or is damaged. While the human senses may not be able to distinguish minor changes in sound, smell or that visually indicate an impending problem, the Akida Edge AI processor can provide early diagnostics through real-time analysis of sensor data on issues such as reducing human-related errors and labor costs, preventing machinery deterioration in real-time and set up preventative maintenance before catastrophic failure. This can save the industry billions lost due to unplanned downtime, and further reduce maintenance cost.
Untitled-design-6.png

BrainChip Partners with AI Labs on Next-Generation Application Development
industrial_2x.png

BrainChip’s use cases for industrial applications include:
  • Predictive Maintenance
  • Manufacturing Management
  • Robotics and automation
  • Security Management
  • Quality control
My opinion only DYOR
FF

AKIDA BALLISTA
 
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Schwale

Regular
I have just had another look at the new Brainchip website and on the first page under the heading "IN GOOD COMPANY" appears the following list and a bar to click if you too would like to become a "Partner."

The list on the home page is a banner that revolves but now lists the following companies:

"Prophesee, Renesas, Valeo, NASA, MegaChips. NVISO, EMOTION3D, Edge Impulse, Ai Labs, SiFive, Mercedes Benz, ARM, Intel"

As it is a banner no one is first in line.

When you click on 'Partner' this is what now appears:


Technology Partners




Technology partners improve vertical value with demonstrated pre-integration interoperability. Our neuromorphic IP is processor and OS independent. Let’s demonstrate the power of Essential AI together.
We work with our partners to support integration and market-relevant use cases.
BrainChip is a member of the Arm AI Partner Program, an ecosystem of hardware and software specialists enabling the next generation of intelligent AI solutions.
Untitled-design-4.png

BrainChip is a partner with Intel Foundry Services – IP Alliance. Partners in this alliance collaborate with IFS to enable designers to access high-quality IPs, supporting their design needs and project schedule, while optimizing for performance, power and area. Building upon Intel’s advanced technology offering.
Untitled-design-2-150x125.png

BrainChip partners with Prophesee driving the optimization for computer vision AI performance and efficiency to deliver next generation intelligent platforms for OEM’s looking to integrate event-based vision systems with high levels of AI performance coupled with an ultra-low power framework.
Pictogram_Prophesee_Metavision_DeepBlue.png

Integrating BrainChip’s Akida technology and SiFive’s multi-core capable RISC-V processors will provide a highly efficient solution for integrated edge AI compute.
Untitled-design-5.png


Enablement Partners




Enablement partners optimize the performance of their AI/ML development, modeling, or inference software with Akida integration. Pre-integration provides a vertically complete solution to simplify evaluation and implementation.
We work with our partners to create integrated AI solutions that are rich in capability with unparalleled performance.

Untitled-design-6.png

The Minsky AI Engine from AI Labs and the ultra efficient sensory inference capabilities of BrainChip’s Akida™ provides a compelling and cost-effective solution in system health monitoring in industrial efficiency and productivity. Detecting anomalies, identifying challenges, analyzing impacts are easily addressed with AI Labs and BrainChip working seamlessly together.
Untitled-design-7.png

Combining BrainChip’s Akida technology and the Edge Impulse platform, tools, and services allows current and future customers to achieve their ML objectives with fast and efficient development cycles to get to market quicker and achieve a competitive advantage.
Untitled-design-12.png

BrainChip’s technology combined with emotion3D’s state-of-the-art computer vision and machine learning software for image-based analysis of in-cabin environments enables our mutual customers to achieve an ultra-low-power working environment with on-chip learning while processing everything locally on the device within the vehicle to ensure data privacy.
Untitled-design-13.png

BrainChip and NVISO are targeting battery-powered applications in robotics and mobility devices addressing the need for high levels of AI performance in ultra low power environments. Implementing NVISO’s AI solutions with BrainChip’s Akida drive next generation solutions.


Integration Partners




Integration partners utilize BrainChip’s technology through designing the Akida IP into System on Chip (SoC) products that will be into ready-to-use systems or implementing Akida silicon into ready-to-use modules.

Partnering with BrainChip, MegaChips is incorporating the Akida technology into it’s ASIC solutions service. Enabling the development and support required to design and manufacture integrated circuits and systems on chips with intelligence that will drive AI into the next generation of edge based devices.
Untitled-design-14.png

Teksun focuses on end to end IoT product development and enabling intelligent solutions, such as predictive and preventative maintenance devices, analytics and diagnostics for portable healthcare, and vision based devices for security and surveillance. The partnership between BrainChip and Teksun proliferates intelligence through the Teksun product development channels.
Untitled-design-15.png


University AI Accelerator Program




BrainChip is bringing its neuromorphic technology into higher education institutions via the BrainChip University AI Accelerator Program, which shares technical knowledge, promotes leading-edge discoveries and positions students to be next-generation technology innovators.
BrainChip’s University AI Accelerator Program provides hardware, training, and guidance to students at higher education institutions with existing AI engineering programs. BrainChip’s products can be leveraged by students to support projects in any number of novel use cases or to demonstrate AI enablement. Students participating in the program will have access to real-world, event-based technologies offering unparalleled performance and efficiency to advance their learning through graduation and beyond.
Current university participants include:

download-1.jpg

download-1.png

Rochester_Institute_of_Technology_Seal_2018-1.png

By partnering with BrainChip’s AI Accelerator Program, universities are able to ensure that students have the tools and resources needed to encourage development of cutting-edge technologies that will continue to usher in an era of essential AI solutions.
Have your university become AI smarter, join the University AI Accelerator Program today."



The other day I posted about the wording approved by Brainchip on the Teksun website after it took down the reveal of "Cisco, Toshiba' and another company and I suggested it revealed certain things about Renesas and Mercedes Benz well as you will see from the above they form their own unique category.

What makes Renesas and Mercedes Benz not a Technology Partner, an Enablement Partner or an Integration Partner well Renesas has bought IP and software from Brainchip to produce its own chip/MCU.

We know Mercedes Benz has publicly stated it is building its own chip and of course as Blind Freddie says you need IP to do that.

On the Teksun website Mercedes Benz has partnered just like Renesas to drive "intelligence into next generation devices". Again this is a bit hard without IP already in your hands and guaranteed to be available once you go into production.

We know that this very same entry included ARM with Mercedes Benz and Renesas as partnering with Brainchip to do the same thing yet ARM is described above as a Technology Partner and no longer stands with these two companies.

So it is up to you to decide was one of the IP licences sold to a third party by MegaChips who was originally announced as looking to use AKIDA technology in the automotive space sold to Mercedes Benz?

In my opinion there is now some logic to support this conclusion.

My opinion only DYOR
FF

AKIDA BALLISTA
Excellent sleuthing Fact Finder...on a lighter note i think you would of made a brilliant Private Investigator with your keen investigation skills. As Richie Benaud would say "marvellous"
 
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Sony Spresense AI MCU's can be developed on Edge Impulse platform.



Spresense 6-core microcontroller board with ultra-low power consumption​

High-performance microcontroller board with hi-res audio, camera input, internal GPS and Edge AI support.


We know that no one can do it at the sort of low power levels of AKIDA particularly when things get a tiny bit complex but the best I can work out is that the Spresense absolute minimum power requirement is 1.8 watts and if I was not an old technophobe it seems to read like you would need to ramp this up from time to time as they suggest having an additional battery for this purpose.

I would think that once a developer gets onto the Edge Impulse platform they will be tempted to have a look around and try out this thing called AKIDA even if their first love is Sony.

My opinion only DYOR
FF

AKIDA BALLISTA
 
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I have just had another look at the new Brainchip website and on the first page under the heading "IN GOOD COMPANY" appears the following list and a bar to click if you too would like to become a "Partner."

The list on the home page is a banner that revolves but now lists the following companies:

"Prophesee, Renesas, Valeo, NASA, MegaChips. NVISO, EMOTION3D, Edge Impulse, Ai Labs, SiFive, Mercedes Benz, ARM, Intel"

As it is a banner no one is first in line.

When you click on 'Partner' this is what now appears:


Technology Partners




Technology partners improve vertical value with demonstrated pre-integration interoperability. Our neuromorphic IP is processor and OS independent. Let’s demonstrate the power of Essential AI together.
We work with our partners to support integration and market-relevant use cases.
BrainChip is a member of the Arm AI Partner Program, an ecosystem of hardware and software specialists enabling the next generation of intelligent AI solutions.
Untitled-design-4.png

BrainChip is a partner with Intel Foundry Services – IP Alliance. Partners in this alliance collaborate with IFS to enable designers to access high-quality IPs, supporting their design needs and project schedule, while optimizing for performance, power and area. Building upon Intel’s advanced technology offering.
Untitled-design-2-150x125.png

BrainChip partners with Prophesee driving the optimization for computer vision AI performance and efficiency to deliver next generation intelligent platforms for OEM’s looking to integrate event-based vision systems with high levels of AI performance coupled with an ultra-low power framework.
Pictogram_Prophesee_Metavision_DeepBlue.png

Integrating BrainChip’s Akida technology and SiFive’s multi-core capable RISC-V processors will provide a highly efficient solution for integrated edge AI compute.
Untitled-design-5.png


Enablement Partners




Enablement partners optimize the performance of their AI/ML development, modeling, or inference software with Akida integration. Pre-integration provides a vertically complete solution to simplify evaluation and implementation.
We work with our partners to create integrated AI solutions that are rich in capability with unparalleled performance.

Untitled-design-6.png

The Minsky AI Engine from AI Labs and the ultra efficient sensory inference capabilities of BrainChip’s Akida™ provides a compelling and cost-effective solution in system health monitoring in industrial efficiency and productivity. Detecting anomalies, identifying challenges, analyzing impacts are easily addressed with AI Labs and BrainChip working seamlessly together.
Untitled-design-7.png

Combining BrainChip’s Akida technology and the Edge Impulse platform, tools, and services allows current and future customers to achieve their ML objectives with fast and efficient development cycles to get to market quicker and achieve a competitive advantage.
Untitled-design-12.png

BrainChip’s technology combined with emotion3D’s state-of-the-art computer vision and machine learning software for image-based analysis of in-cabin environments enables our mutual customers to achieve an ultra-low-power working environment with on-chip learning while processing everything locally on the device within the vehicle to ensure data privacy.
Untitled-design-13.png

BrainChip and NVISO are targeting battery-powered applications in robotics and mobility devices addressing the need for high levels of AI performance in ultra low power environments. Implementing NVISO’s AI solutions with BrainChip’s Akida drive next generation solutions.


Integration Partners




Integration partners utilize BrainChip’s technology through designing the Akida IP into System on Chip (SoC) products that will be into ready-to-use systems or implementing Akida silicon into ready-to-use modules.

Partnering with BrainChip, MegaChips is incorporating the Akida technology into it’s ASIC solutions service. Enabling the development and support required to design and manufacture integrated circuits and systems on chips with intelligence that will drive AI into the next generation of edge based devices.
Untitled-design-14.png

Teksun focuses on end to end IoT product development and enabling intelligent solutions, such as predictive and preventative maintenance devices, analytics and diagnostics for portable healthcare, and vision based devices for security and surveillance. The partnership between BrainChip and Teksun proliferates intelligence through the Teksun product development channels.
Untitled-design-15.png


University AI Accelerator Program




BrainChip is bringing its neuromorphic technology into higher education institutions via the BrainChip University AI Accelerator Program, which shares technical knowledge, promotes leading-edge discoveries and positions students to be next-generation technology innovators.
BrainChip’s University AI Accelerator Program provides hardware, training, and guidance to students at higher education institutions with existing AI engineering programs. BrainChip’s products can be leveraged by students to support projects in any number of novel use cases or to demonstrate AI enablement. Students participating in the program will have access to real-world, event-based technologies offering unparalleled performance and efficiency to advance their learning through graduation and beyond.
Current university participants include:

download-1.jpg

download-1.png

Rochester_Institute_of_Technology_Seal_2018-1.png

By partnering with BrainChip’s AI Accelerator Program, universities are able to ensure that students have the tools and resources needed to encourage development of cutting-edge technologies that will continue to usher in an era of essential AI solutions.
Have your university become AI smarter, join the University AI Accelerator Program today."



The other day I posted about the wording approved by Brainchip on the Teksun website after it took down the reveal of "Cisco, Toshiba' and another company and I suggested it revealed certain things about Renesas and Mercedes Benz well as you will see from the above they form their own unique category.

What makes Renesas and Mercedes Benz not a Technology Partner, an Enablement Partner or an Integration Partner well Renesas has bought IP and software from Brainchip to produce its own chip/MCU.

We know Mercedes Benz has publicly stated it is building its own chip and of course as Blind Freddie says you need IP to do that.

On the Teksun website Mercedes Benz has partnered just like Renesas to drive "intelligence into next generation devices". Again this is a bit hard without IP already in your hands and guaranteed to be available once you go into production.

We know that this very same entry included ARM with Mercedes Benz and Renesas as partnering with Brainchip to do the same thing yet ARM is described above as a Technology Partner and no longer stands with these two companies.

So it is up to you to decide was one of the IP licences sold to a third party by MegaChips who was originally announced as looking to use AKIDA technology in the automotive space sold to Mercedes Benz?

In my opinion there is now some logic to support this conclusion.

My opinion only DYOR
FF

AKIDA BALLISTA
Great to see Renesas and Mercedes, confirmed as partners, on BrainChip's website. Matching the wording now on Teksun's website.

"Prophesee, Renesas, Valeo, NASA, MegaChips. NVISO, EMOTION3D, Edge Impulse, Ai Labs, SiFive, Mercedes Benz, ARM, Intel"

On Teksun though, shouldn't they appear in the above revolving banner?
And what about Socionext?
 
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Pmel

Regular

Socionext must be promoting brainchip for no reason. They share the video few times a week. Read above and watch below. What i gather is they are going to use brainchip in some sort of shape and form in automotive. Why would they even talk and let alone post a video on their page frequently 😉.
Dyor

 
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TasTroy77

Founding Member
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zeeb0t

Administrator
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Great to see Renesas and Mercedes, confirmed as partners, on BrainChip's website. Matching the wording now on Teksun's website.

"Prophesee, Renesas, Valeo, NASA, MegaChips. NVISO, EMOTION3D, Edge Impulse, Ai Labs, SiFive, Mercedes Benz, ARM, Intel"

On Teksun though, shouldn't they appear in the above revolving banner?
And what about Socionext?
Hi @DingoBorat

As for Teksun probably more difficult to add to banner so probably waiting for their host to get it done.

Socionext I have mentioned I raised the absence of Socionext previously and basically was told nothing other than the relationship with Socionext is complex whatever that means.

There is no doubt Socionext and Brainchip are an item but it’s a bit like one of those Romeo and Juliet romances where it has to be kept under wraps because of the parents.

I might try again and see what they say this time. 😂🤣😂🪁🪁🪁🪁

My opinion only DYOR
FF

AKIDA BALLISTA
 
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Pmel

Regular
Hi @DingoBorat

As for Teksun probably more difficult to add to banner so probably waiting for their host to get it done.

Socionext I have mentioned I raised the absence of Socionext previously and basically was told nothing other than the relationship with Socionext is complex whatever that means.

There is no doubt Socionext and Brainchip are an item but it’s a bit like one of those Romeo and Juliet romances where it has to be kept under wraps because of the parents.

I might try again and see what they say this time. 😂🤣😂🪁🪁🪁🪁

My opinion only DYOR
FF

AKIDA BALLISTA
Looking at the video and link from socionext. There is definitely something cooking. If it is just a research project of some sort then why promote almost every week.
it is like response i had from Mercedes tweet saying lets see what future holds. 😉
 
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D

Deleted member 118

Guest
He says "Brain " 5 times and chip 5 times
It's like he wants to break the NDA
 
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VictorG

Member
When you zoom in, you'll notice the M85 seems to be photo shopped on. I wonder what's actually there?
Screenshot_20230318_212930_LinkedIn.jpg
 
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Slade

Top 20
At the 6hour 16min mark of this video a Renesas guy explains what they have done so far with the ARM M85.

 
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White Horse

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Thebask27

Emerged
Hi all, does somebody know if the teaming up with Magik eye (17.8.2020) is still alive?
The new homepage isn't showing any sign.
 
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stockduck

Regular
Is it technologically/economically conceivable that the Akida chip in the field of lighting technology for LED lamps will bring a significant improvement in terms of energy utilization and efficiency in relation to the durability of an LED lamp and/or electricity savings in general? Could it be possible to build Akida IP into LED chips, or is that too far-fetched. In my opinion, there needs to be significant progress in the development of LED lamps in order to improve their quality (lifespan, power consumption, light frequency on/off).

Which are the big led manufacturing companies in the world?
Do some have a relationship with BRN?
How manny chips/year does this market need?
 
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stockduck

Regular
Is it technologically/economically conceivable that the Akida chip in the field of lighting technology for LED lamps will bring a significant improvement in terms of energy utilization and efficiency in relation to the durability of an LED lamp and/or electricity savings in general? Could it be possible to build Akida IP into LED chips, or is that too far-fetched. In my opinion, there needs to be significant progress in the development of LED lamps in order to improve their quality (lifespan, power consumption, light frequency on/off).

Which are the big led manufacturing companies in the world?
Do some have a relationship with BRN?
How manny chips/year does this market need?

...after small research, my impression is....there is a market not only for lamps, also for security (z.B. hospitals)
 
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Diogenese

Top 20
Is it technologically/economically conceivable that the Akida chip in the field of lighting technology for LED lamps will bring a significant improvement in terms of energy utilization and efficiency in relation to the durability of an LED lamp and/or electricity savings in general? Could it be possible to build Akida IP into LED chips, or is that too far-fetched. In my opinion, there needs to be significant progress in the development of LED lamps in order to improve their quality (lifespan, power consumption, light frequency on/off).

Which are the big led manufacturing companies in the world?
Do some have a relationship with BRN?
How manny chips/year does this market need?
Hi stockduck,

Some LED diodes are made using gallium nitride, and would not be compatible with the Akida.

n Australian company, BluGlass, has invented a revolutionary GaN LED/laser diode manufacturing process, RPCVD, which operates at a few hundred degrees lower than standard CVD/MCVD. They have licenced out their LED manufacturing, but kept the laser manufacturing in-house.

This is a slide of manufacturers from the BluGlass webinar:


Investor Webcast | Bluglass

1679166220443.png
 
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Tothemoon24

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gen_204



Qualcomm Is Poised to Dominate EVs Before Apple Gets a Chance​

Its digital chassis is an internet-connected platform for the whole car, and the tech giant has General Motors, Jeep, Mercedes, and many more on board.
Qualcomm Digital Chassis Electric Vehicle on a brightly illuminated stage
PHOTOGRAPH: QUALCOMM
Much was said at the CES technology show back in January about the teaming up of car companies and tech firms. Beyond one merely providing the infotainment systems, apps, and touchscreens for the other, foundations are seemingly being laid for deep-routed collaborations. Cars are, after all, inevitably turning into highly connected platforms as reliant on efficient and upgradeable software architecture as smartphones and laptops.
For technology companies this means the opportunity to build an entire automotive software stack, from the parking sensors and driver-assistance radar to the dashboard display and smartphone app. For carmakers, finding the right technology partner could mean simplifying a vehicle’s architecture and unlocking new revenue streams in the form of passenger entertainment and downloadable upgrades. Finding the wrong one could be equally impactful—just ask automakers who have had dealings with Apple.
Unearthing new customer experiences—and, of course, charging for them—is key to LG Electronics’ new technical collaboration with Magna, a major global automotive parts supplier that also assembles cars for companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, and Fisker.

LG says with Magna it will develop a proof of concept for an “automated driver infotainment solution” providing “differentiated customer experiences,” which means there will be several levels of optional tech in this infotainment package so it can potentially be sold to multiple auto manufacturers. Audi explored a similar concept back in 2019 with the Immersive In-Car Entertainment project that used sound, light, vibrating seats, and even the car’s active suspension to give passengers a “4D” movie theater experience.
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) is another example of an auto-tech alliance gearing up to build the car of the future. The alliance used CES 2023 to show off the first vehicle under a new brand called Afeela. Sat among televisions and virtual-reality headsets on Sony’s stand, the concept car obligingly featured Fortnite and Spider-Mangameplay imagery on a digital display above its front bumper.
Although falling short of saying Afeela cars would include a PlayStation 5 to pacify road-trip boredom, SHM said it has started to “build new values and concepts for mobility” with Epic Games. Horizon Forbidden West, a PS5 game published by Sony, appeared on rear seat displays of the Afeela show car. Tesla, incidentally, recently added access to the Steam video game library to its newest cars.

One System to Rule Them All?​

PHOTOGRAPH: QUALCOMM
Afeela cars will use Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Digital Chassis system for driver assistance, autonomous driving, interfaces, and telematics. Also revealed at CES, the Digital Chassis is an automotive technology platform that combines safety and connectivity systems, entertainment, customization, and upgradability all into one product.
Unsurprisingly, it's a key growth pillar for Qualcomm as the company's revenue declines, as demand weakens for handsets and IoT products. Indeed, its automotive segment grew 58 percent in Q4 last year to $456 million—driven, according to Counterpoint, by the Digital Chassis.
Within Digital Chassis are four key Qualcomm automotive systems: These are called Snapdragon Auto Connectivity (connected systems like 5G and vehicle-to-vehicle technologies), Snapdragon Cockpit Platform (digital instrument clusters and infotainment), Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud (catering for over-the-air software updates), and Snapdragon Ride Platform (driver-assistance tech and autonomous driving capabilities).
“There is a tremendous amount of opportunity to reinvent the car,” says Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm’s senior vice president and general manager for automotive, “and a tremendous amount of that reinvention is happening because the car is becoming a truly digital product.”
Duggal says today’s automakers need to envisage “a tremendous number of use cases” that may present themselves over the lifetime of a vehicle, and that these “require you to really think about the platform very differently.”
PHOTOGRAPH: QUALCOMM
By adopting Qualcomm’s Digital Chassis, Duggal claims car manufacturers will benefit from faster development of connected systems. “If you think about the way the car architecture is being designed going forward, you have centralization of compute capabilities, larger processors in the car, built-in connectivity, safety features built-in,” he says. “All of these require the car architecture to shift, and you need somebody who actually understands what it means to be able to build a platform.”
Most established auto marques are slow to adopt new tech, realize its significance, or sort hype from truly useful offerings when it comes to car systems. However, the uniformity and simplicity of electric drivetrains compared to internal combustion has helped level a playing field previously dominated by carmakers with more than a century of engine-building experience. Newcomers such as Chinese firm Nio hope that connected technologies and dashboard-mounted AI assistants will tempt new buyers away from more established brands, while BYD Auto, founded in 2003, made six of the top 10 EVmodels sold worldwide in Q4 last year.
Duggal says technology, software, and electrical architecture are among “the key differentiators” automakers will have to consider in a future where how a car drives no longer sets it apart from its rivals. “We have been working with everyautomaker for the past dozen years or so. We are clearly seeing trends that are common across what everybody needs. We include that in our platform, we provide a tremendous amount of software capability, integration capability—and that just allows automakers to move faster.”
To give you some indication of how popular Qualcomm's automotive system is appearing to be, customers for its Digital Chassis include Sony Honda Mobility, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Cadillac, and Stellantis, a group that includes Peugeot, Fiat, Citroen, Jeep, Dodge, Maserati, and Chrysler among others. Qualcomm also says it has received support for the new platform from BMW, Hyundai Motor Group, Nio, and Volvo.
At a time when automakers are still struggling with semiconductor shortages, these manufacturers clearly hope to benefit from the supposed inherent simplicity offered by the Digital Chassis.

Efficient Car “Brains”​

Duggal told WIRED how the platform drastically lowers the number of electronic control units (ECUs) used to form the “brain” of a car. “In the past, you would have a dozen different ECUs that were responsible for everything from displays to parking, to driver monitoring, to the audio and speakers,” says Duggal. “All of that is getting integrated into a common platform. We are now seeing next-generation EE architectures get reduced down to less than five main subsystems—cockpit for the in-car experience, telematics for in-car and cloud connectivity, driver assistance and automated driving systems, in-car networking, and zonal controllers being the main ones.”
The Digital Chassis also brings together a car’s various technology systems—including telematics, navigation, multimedia, EV charging, and autonomy—into an internet-connected platform.
Qualcomm has designed Digital Chassis to run on a set of system-on-chips (SoCs), and it can be customized based on the requirements of carmakers and their tier-one suppliers, with headroom for future upgrades delivered over-the-air. Ultimately, by bundling more systems onto fewer chips, the Digital Chassis supposedly intends to save car makers money.
PHOTOGRAPH: QUALCOMM
Perhaps crucially, Qualcomm also says its Digital Chassis allows automakers to “own the in-vehicle experience … [and] extend their brand and bring engaging consumer interactions into the vehicle.” This will be particularly welcomed by manufacturers after the announcement in June last year of Apple’s next-gen multiscreen version of CarPlay, which will likely not be anywhere near as collaborative as Qualcomm’s offering. Indeed, when CarPlay 2 was announced, WIRED reached out to a number of major automakers for comment on the Cupertino system, only to find that it seemed as if the companies had no idea the news, and the potential impact to their dominance over their own car UIs, was coming.
The Digital Chassis system is designed to work across all regions and in all types of vehicle, and Qualcomm says it hopes the chassis will “inspire new business models for automakers” that go beyond merely selling and maintaining a car.

If You Thought Paying for Heated Seats Was Bad …​

Aside from in-car gaming, these new business models will also include drivers being asked to pay to unlock features already installed in their vehicle. BMW caused controversy when it suggested heated seats already fitted to a car would require a subscription to function. Mercedes will soon ask drivers to pay $1,200 to unlock more performance, hidden behind a paywall written into their EV’s code. The latest model of Polestar 2 can be made more powerful by purchasing the Performance Pack, which arrives via a software update, no wrenches required.
As well as software and connectivity, technology companies can help automakers—especially startups—when it comes to mass production. Such a collaboration can be found with Fisker and Foxconn. The former is a Californian EV startup headed by former Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker, and the latter is a Taiwanese company best known for assembling iPhones. The two plan to codevelop a circa-$30,000 EV due to go into production at a facility in Ohio in 2024.
Fisker said in 2021 that Foxconn will help with product development, sourcing, and manufacturing, and that the partnership will enable his company to deliver products “at a price point that truly opens up electric mobility to the mass market.”
Not wishing to put all of its automotive eggs in one basket, Foxconn is also involved in a joint venture with Chinese automotive giant Geely, parent of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus among others. Similarly, Pegatron, another Taiwanese firm tasked with assembling iPhones, is now also a manufacturing partner of Tesla.
Finding a technology partner could soon be of utmost importance for car brands yet to fully embrace advanced infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity systems. Lei Zhou, a partner at Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting, told WIRED it is “highly likely” that automakers who go it alone with their own technology are in danger of being left behind.
Zhou added: “If conventional OEMs develop connected technologies with their current capabilities, they may find themselves left behind by emerging EV makers with IT backgrounds or OEMs that have partnered with powerful tech partners … significant value can be generated by collaboration with a variety of players, including technology and business fields.”

And Just What Is Apple Up to?​

The opposite is also true, where technology companies keen to develop their first car require help from automakers with manufacturing experience.
Tyson Jominy, vice president of automotive consulting at JD Power, told WIRED: “Tesla, Rivian, Dyson, Lucid, and others have all done really well through the process of designing a car. But when you get down to the brass tacks of building a car it’s very difficult. When a lot of startups run into problems, it’s [because] mass-producing cars at scale is hard. So partnering up does make sense.”
Such partnering between auto and tech makes us wonder what Apple’s current position is. Its Project Titan division has ebbed and flowed for years now, reportedly growing, shrinking, and changing direction without ever revealing itself in public. CES this year showed how there are numerous ways for technology companies to break into automotive—so much so that it’s now easy to imagine Apple being unable to decide between running out an entire car, a major upgrade to CarPlay, an autonomous driving system, enhanced mapping, or a computational platform like the Qualcomm Digital Chassis.
If Apple is still interested in cars—and if Project Titan is even still active—we’re now starting to see precisely how its tech rivals are placing their bets. Going it alone would be tough, even for a company with Apple’s mighty resources.
“I just don’t think the nuts and bolts of building cars is something of interest to Apple,” says Jominy says. “So I could see something like a Sony-type play … Apple has one of the most envious positions in the auto industry [with CarPlay] ... there’s more dollars to chase and it probably will, but the auto industry as a whole is still relatively low-margin, certainly relative to software.”
Whoever cuts the right deal with the strongest ally will secure the best position to succeed in what has become a rapidly evolving car industry—one that is now more reliant than ever on intelligent, connected technology (and entertainment, if autonomous driving ever becomes reality). Those who go it alone, or pick their partners poorly, run the risk of being left behind.
 
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