Fully Autonomous Cars Unlikely to Hit Public Roads Until Next Decade, Says Nvidia
According to the automotive boss of tech giant Nvidia, fully autonomous cars are not expected to be on public roads until well into the next decade. Nvidia, known for producing advanced computing systems and software for leading car manufacturers like JLR, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, is at the forefront of self-driving technology in next-generation vehicles.
Ali Kani, head of Nvidia’s automotive division, emphasized that truly autonomous cars are still a futuristic concept. He stated, “It’s a next-decade marvel. We’re not close. It’s super-hard.” Despite some cars offering limited autonomous capabilities in controlled environments, Kani believes that significant advancements in computing power and technology are necessary for cars to truly drive themselves.
One key aspect of this advancement is the development of more sophisticated software. Kani highlighted the shift towards large-language models like ChatGPT with video, which require increased computing power and memory bandwidth. Additionally, the integration of sensors like lidar and radar, as well as redundant algorithms for safety, is crucial for the success of autonomous vehicles.
While current driver assistance systems rely on pre-defined actions in specific situations, Kani envisions a future where cars learn behavior for more natural and smooth driving. He explained, “The next generation of cars will learn behavior, so it’s a natural understanding. That’s when you start to say: ‘Whoa, this car is driving so calmly and smoothly.'”
Despite the potential of autonomous technology, Kani emphasized the importance of proceeding with caution. He warned against rushing development and stressed the need for thorough testing to ensure safety. Kani stated, “If one firm makes one mistake, the whole industry gets pushed back a few years. So we have to act in the most responsible way and not take any shortcuts.”
