Intel (INTC) is accelerating its efforts in AI-enabled autonomous driving systems, aiming to make a significant impact in the US auto market. At CES 2024 (Consumer Electronics Show), Jack Weast, Intel Automotive Vice President and GM, discussed the integration of Intel’s AI chips into vehicle systems, ushering in a new era of unique and enhanced user experiences.
Weast emphasized the revolutionary potential of Intel’s new product lineup, merging the power of AI PCs with the reliability of data centers within vehicles. This integration allows automakers to shift from fixed-function architectures to more flexible software-defined and dynamic structures.
In a conversation with Akiko Fujita, Weast explained how this technological leap changes the approach to electric vehicle (EV) design. Instead of designing around an engine, automakers can now start with a battery and a computer, granting them the freedom to explore innovative designs.
One notable announcement is Intel’s claim to be the first supplier to introduce a chiplet-based product for the automotive industry. This approach enables customers to integrate their custom chiplets into Intel’s products, offering a cost-effective alternative to fully custom chips. Weast highlighted that this chiplet-based method is approximately 1/10th of the cost of building a fully custom chip.
From a user perspective, the integration of Intel’s advanced technology promises a transformative experience for drivers. Weast detailed Intel’s collaboration with Zeekr, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, to create a “living room experience” within vehicles. This software-defined environment powered by Intel’s technology allows users to engage with generative AI voice assistants, play high-end PC games, utilize productivity applications, and conduct video conferencing, effectively turning the vehicle into a mobile living room or workspace on wheels.
Weast and Fujita discussed the broader trend of cars evolving from mere transportation to multifunctional digital hubs. Weast emphasized Intel’s role in providing products that process the increasing digital aspects of vehicles. He predicted that silicon’s share of a vehicle’s bill of materials would grow from the current 4% to an estimated 20% by the end of the decade, highlighting the expanding opportunities in the rapidly digitizing automotive landscape.
