Nvidia, Foxconn Partner to Build AI Factories Targeting Autonomous Vehicles

Taiwan's Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, announced its collaboration with Nvidia, the leading chip company, to construct cutting-edge "AI factories." These factories will employ Nvidia chips and software, serving various applications, including self-driving cars.

During Foxconn's annual tech showcase in Taipei, Foxconn Chairman Liu Young-way and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang unveiled their joint initiative.

Nvidia Empowers AI Factories with Advanced Technology

According to Reuters, the "AI factories" are expected to revolutionize the autonomous vehicle industry by constantly receiving and processing data from self-driving electric vehicles. In a visually engaging presentation, Huang showcased a hand-drawn sketch illustrating how these facilities would augment the intelligence of autonomous cars.

Nvidia will provide state-of-the-art chips and software, including the cutting-edge GH200 superchip. Energy World said it is worth noting that the sale of this superchip is restricted in China, further emphasizing the significance of this collaborative venture.

Furthermore, Nvidia recently faced additional export restrictions, barring the sale of two other high-end AI chips designed for the Chinese market and a top-of-the-line gaming chip.

Foxconn's EV Initiatives, Expansion Plans

Foxconn, renowned as Apple's largest iPhone supplier, aims to apply its assembly prowess to new domains. With aspirations to venture into electric vehicle manufacturing, Foxconn seeks to emulate the success it achieved with personal computers and smartphones.

Earlier this year, Foxconn and Nvidia partnered to develop autonomous vehicle platforms, with Foxconn manufacturing electronic control units based on Nvidia's DRIVE Orin chip for the global market.

In pursuing its electric vehicle endeavors, Foxconn introduced Model N, an electric cargo van prototype. Although limited orders have materialized thus far, the company's EV business head, Jun Seki, revealed ongoing discussions with 14 potential customers, highlighting India and Japan as promising markets for EV development.

Foxconn sets soaring ambitions, aiming to capture 5% of the global EV market by 2025. Its long-term vision is to manufacture nearly half of the world's electric vehicles, generating revenue reaching $33 billion.

"This car would of course go through life experience and collect more data," said the Taiwan-born Huang. "The AI factory would improve the software and update the entire AI fleet."

Photo: BoliviaInteligente/Unsplash