Positive news for GPU sellers
To begin with, Lucid is set to introduce a more sophisticated iteration of its semi-automated driving assistance for the Gravity SUV, which it claims has been “enhanced by Nvidia Drive AV.” Following this, the intention is to develop a so-called “level 4” autonomous system, capable of traveling from location to location independently, at least within a designated geofence or a similarly confined operational design domain.
In terms of scope, this is less ambitious and more feasible compared to the “level 5,” all-encompassing vision of Tesla’s FSD system. It mirrors the level 4 autonomous vehicles in development by firms like Waymo and Zoox, albeit those are also intended for fleet operations with consistent maintenance.
Lucid plans to leverage Nvidia’s platform to achieve level 4, incorporating a pair of Drive AGX Thor computers within the new midsize EV platform. Relying on Nvidia’s software allows Lucid to avoid the continuous task of maintaining updates.
“As vehicles advance into software-centric supercomputers on wheels, a new opportunity arises—to redefine mobility with intelligence at every turn. Alongside Lucid, we’re hastening the arrival of autonomous, AI-driven transportation, built upon [the] Nvidia full-stack automotive platform,” stated Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia.
Car purchasers are beginning to recognize driver assists like General Motors’ Super Cruise, which roughly 40 percent of customers opt to pay for after the three-year complimentary trial concludes, and Lucid must be optimistic that presenting a significantly more sophisticated system, which won’t necessitate driver attention while operational, will help it generate substantial revenue.
The other element of the Lucid/Nvidia announcement could have the potential for even greater effects on the profit and loss accounts. Nvidia’s industrial platform will enable Lucid to design its production lines digitally prior to committing to physical hardware. “By simulating autonomous systems, Lucid can enhance robot path planning, boost safety, and reduce commissioning time,” Lucid stated.
