NVIDIA continues to make inroads in the automotive industry, announcing collaborations with one of Detroit’s Big 3 and a leader in the Canadian auto market.
General Motors and NVIDIA will work together to build custom artificial intelligent (AI) systems using the chip company’s accelerated compute platforms to train AI manufacturing models for optimizing GM’s factory planning and robotics.
Additionally, GM will use NVIDIA Drive AGX for in-vehicle hardware for future advanced driver-assistance systems and in-cabin enhanced safety driving experiences.
Barra Statement
Mary Barra, chair and CEO of General Motors, noted the automaker has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with NVIDIA, leveraging its GPUs across their operations.
“AI not only optimizes manufacturing processes and accelerates virtual testing but helps us build smarter vehicles while empowering our workforce to focus on craftsmanship,” said Barra. “By merging technology with human ingenuity, we unlock new levels of innovation in vehicle manufacturing and beyond.”
Assembly Lines, Next-Gen Vehicles
GM will use the NVIDIA Omniverse platform to create digital twins of assembly lines, allowing for virtual testing and production simulations to reduce downtime. The effort will include training robotics platforms already in use for operations such as material handling and transport, along with precision welding, to increase manufacturing safety and efficiency.
Additionally, GM will build next-generation vehicles on Drive AGX, based on the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, and running the safety-certified NVIDIA DriveOS operating system. Delivering up to 1,000 trillion operations per second of high-performance compute, this in-vehicle computer can speed the development and deployment of safe autonomous vehicles (AVs) at scale.
“The era of physical AI is here, and together with GM, we’re transforming transportation, from vehicles to the factories where they’re made,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “We are thrilled to partner with GM to build AI systems tailored to their vision, craft and know-how.”
Magna Pilot Program
The agreement with GM comes as the same time as the leading AI company is teaming with Magna to integrate the Drive AGX platform within the company’s next generation of advanced technology solutions.
The Drive AGX Thor system-on-a-chip (SoC), running the safety-certified DriveOS operating system and built on the Blackwell architecture, consolidates increased functionality to improve efficiency, speed, and scalability, according to officials from both companies. This will help Magna enable cutting-edge AI and varying levels of autonomous driving (AD) and interior cabin applications.
Canada-based Magna will develop and test the latest advancements in L2+ through L4 active safety solutions on DRIVE Thor. By utilizing the accelerated compute performance and scalability afforded by this next-generation SoC, these solutions aim to enhance vehicle safety, comfort and more, according to Steven Jenkins, vice president of technology strategy at Magna Electronics.
Q4 Reveal
“Combining NVIDIA accelerated compute and AI capabilities with Magna’s extensive automotive expertise and innovation, we aim to explore new standards for next-generation software-defined vehicle intelligence and autonomy,” said Jenkins. “Our collaboration allows us to develop market applications for AI-powered solutions that could redefine the driving experience and address the evolving demands of the automotive industry.”
The pilot program focuses on solving the complexity of computing availability with performance for integrating ADAS, AD and interior cabin AI features, providing scalable, flexible and customizable system solutions that meet specific market needs and regulatory requirements.
“As the automotive industry transitions to safer, more intelligent vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities, our collaboration with Magna is the latest in our endeavors to bring our safety-certified in-vehicle accelerated compute and AI to the transportation industry,” said Ali Kani, vice president of automotive at NVIDIA. “By combining core technologies and Magna’s integration expertise, we aim to shape the future of mobility.”
Magna plans to unveil a working demonstration platform in Q4 2025.
