Introducing significant advancement in automotive semiconductor technology at the recent Snapdragon Summit 2024 with a focus on improving the cockpit and ADAS experience, Qualcomm has reported strong growth in its automotive revenue in the current calendar year. 
The growth story at Nvidia – with a lucrative detour into AI – is indicative of the developments in autonomous vehicle technologies.  
The tech major may not enjoy the popularity or acceptance that Qualcomm has come to command, the fact is, both are seeking an innovative approach to automobiles as their users seek new and exciting features. 
While legacy automotive tier 1 suppliers like Schaeffler, Bosch and others facing the challenge of sluggish demand, the system-to-chip (SoC) technology companies like Qualcomm and Nvidia are engineering a different dimension to the art of automobile design, development and manufacture.  
Enjoying an EBITDA margin of around 30 percent as compared to the five percent EBITDA margin roughly of tier 1 automotive suppliers, Qualcomm and Nvidia are driving the age of software defined vehicles that are already calling for engineers with a deeper understanding of software. 
C++ or Autosar may be the language most automotive software programmes use as the basis, from a features or convenience point of view, even the presence of rain sensing wipers or an air-con that can be switched on or off with a voice command are fast gaining prominence among automotive buyers as they seek a different level of emotion connection with their set of wheels. 
From a vehicle architecture point of view, please consider the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis. It has evolved with the introduction of the Snapdragon Cockpit Elite and Snapdragon Ride Elite platforms on the hardware side. 
Aiding faster computing speeds, both the platforms feature the Oryon CPU. This CPU has been optimised for automotive safety standards and designed for 3x faster CPU performance than previous generations, according to Qualcomm sources.  
Aiding to enhance in-vehicle digital experiences by integrating advanced infotainment with autonomous driving capabilities on a single chip, developments like this mark an interesting milestone in the world of automobiles. 
An important milestone will be the plan by Qualcomm to introduce lower-tier versions of these platforms to broaden their applications, enabling automakers to develop cost-effective solutions across various market segments. 
The Cockpit Elite and Ride Elite SoCs are expected to be available to manufacturers starting in 2025, with early adopters such as Mercedes-Benz and Li Auto planning to integrate these technologies into their upcoming models. 
The first vehicles using these platforms are expected to be available by 2026 in China. Releases in other markets in the world will soon follow. 
Talking about Nvidia's lucrative detour into AI, Ola Electric has developed an Ola Digital Twin platform on NVIDIA Omniverse that is helping it to achieve 20 percent faster time-to-market – from design to commissioning for its manufacturing operations.
Built on NVIDIA Isaac Sim, the Ola Digital Twin platform taps into core Omniverse technologies like OpenUSD for data interoperability, RTX for physically-based rendering, and generative AI for accelerated world building to generate synthetic data or training autonomous mobile robots and robotic arms.
Consulting leaders such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tech Mahindra are developing industrial AI applications and services on Omniverse to help manufacturers develop digital twins for accelerated factory planning, optimised processes, robotics training and large-scale automation, according to an industry source aware of the new developments in AI and industrial automation.

Edge AI and software virtualisation
At Snapdragon Summit 2024, Qualcomm emphasised the benefits of edge AI over traditional cloud-based solutions, particularly in terms of privacy and latency. 
By processing data locally within the vehicle, edge AI enhances data security and ensures that sensitive information remains protected. Recent advancements in AI models, such as Llama 3.0, illustrate that edge AI can deliver strong performance while reducing memory requirements, which may lead to cost savings for manufacturers.
Interesting, use cases covering nearly every aspect of heavy manufacturing — from building virtual factories for real-time factory planning and monitoring, to creating digital twins of aircraft components for immersive training and predictive maintenance, Nvidia’s Omniverse is being used to simulate autonomous vehicles; to enable automotive companies to simulate and validate complex driving scenarios without the need for physical testing. 

Image for representative purpose only

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India has partnered with Adobe to modernise its digital ecosystem across marketing, sales, service and vehicle ownership lifecycle touchpoints.

The initiative integrates legacy systems to unify customer profiles and content delivery platforms. The automaker utilises Adobe Experience Manager Sites as a Cloud Service alongside Edge Delivery Services to manage brand web portals, including NEXA and ARENA, achieving reduced page load times and incorporating 3D showroom interfaces.

Additionally, Adobe Experience Platform consolidates customer data to support campaign orchestration, loyalty initiatives and service workflows. The manufacturer is also integrating artificial intelligence capabilities through journey orchestration tools and content optimisation solutions.

Sunil Kakkar, Director of Corporate Planning and Executive Committee Member at Maruti Suzuki India, said, "This collaboration has enabled us to respond to the market shifts very effectively, innovate faster and create a meaningful experience that strengthens our leadership in the quickly evolving digital landscape, so we can deliver superior products with high value while shaping the future of the automotive ecosystem."

Shobhit Mittal, Executive Vice-President of Digital Enterprise, Maruti Suzuki India, said, "One of the biggest challenges during Maruti Suzuki’s website revamp was integrating multiple legacy systems. We had to ensure data consistency and smooth connectivity across platforms while delivering a modern, intuitive interface. Adobe's live “See-to-Believe” proof of concept was a game changer. It allowed us to experience the platform's capabilities in real time, demonstrating how their solutions could handle complex integrations and deliver personalized experience at scale. Adobe's consultative approach, involving global experts, showcased strong commitment for us and assured us that they were the right partner to deliver a seamless, future-ready digital experience."

Tapan Sahoo, Senior Executive Officer of Digital Enterprise, Maruti Suzuki India, said, "Transformation is about people coming together with a shared vision, collaborating across teams and co-creating value for customers."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

KUKA Mexico has opened its Innovation and Technology Development Centre in Monterrey, expanding operations in Northern Mexico.

The R&D setup is located within the Centre for Innovation, Research and Technology Development at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon within the Technological Research and Innovation Park.

Spread across the 500-square-meter facility, it provides automation technologies, training programmes, technical support and product demonstrations for sectors including automotive, intralogistics, electronics and metalworking.

The facility houses educational cells from the KUKA College training initiative, autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics and industrial robots for welding applications.

Through a collaboration with the university, the centre aims to double KUKA Mexico's annual training capacity from approximately 550 engineers to support technicians, students and partners in robotics and automation deployment. The opening coincides with KUKA marking 30 years of operations in Mexico since its establishment in 1996.

Christopher Hernandez Moya, MD, KUKA Mexico, said, "Opening this new facility marks an important step in KUKA Mexico’s continued growth. By establishing a stronger presence in Northern Mexico, we are working more closely with our customers, partners and educational institutions to expand robotic automation training. At the same time, we are providing greater access to KUKA technologies, services and technical expertise. We are excited to continue supporting the development of automation and manufacturing talent in the region."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has formally inaugurated its manufacturing plant in Talegaon, Pune.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, accompanied by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tarun Garg inaugurated the new facility.

The plant operates with an installed annual production capacity of 170,000 units, which the company plans to scale to 320,000 units by 2030 through a phased investment of up to INR 110 billion.

Combined with Hyundai's Chennai facility, total manufacturing capacity in India for the company will reach approximately 1.14 million units annually by 2030. The Talegaon facility incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) quality control systems, automated assembly platforms and an engine plant producing 150,000 units per year. To support plant operations, 55 supplier partners have invested nearly INR 46 billion in the state.

"The inauguration of Hyundai Motor India's Pune plant and the company's achievement of 4 million cumulative passenger vehicle exports reflect India's growing strength as a global automotive manufacturing hub. Hyundai's continued investments in advanced manufacturing technologies, innovation, localization and skill development will contribute significantly to economic growth, employment generation and development of a robust automotive ecosystem in Maharashtra. We welcome Hyundai's long-term commitment to the state and the nation. The Government of Maharashtra shall extend our full support to Hyundai's future growth journey," said Devendra Fadnavis.

Euisun Chung said, "India remains one of Hyundai's most important and strategic markets globally. The inauguration of the Pune plant reflects our long-term commitment to India's growth and our confidence in its bright future. HMIL’s milestone of 4 million cumulative vehicle exports demonstrates the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturing and highlights India's growing role within Hyundai Motor Group's worldwide operations."

Tarun Garg, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "The inauguration of our Pune plant marks the beginning of HMIL’s next chapter of growth in India. We will invest INR 110 billion in phases at this facility. Beyond expanding manufacturing capacity, the facility will drive industrial development, innovation and employment generation in the region. Supporting this vision is a strong regional supplier ecosystem, with 55 supplier partners having already invested nearly INR 46 billion in the state. Together with tier-II vendors, the ecosystem has created more than 18,000 employment opportunities in Maharashtra, reinforcing the region’s emergence as a key automotive manufacturing hub. As we celebrate 30 years in India, we remain committed to creating long-term value for our customers, partners and communities. We sincerely thank the Government of Maharashtra, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Government of India, for fostering a progressive ecosystem that continues to strengthen manufacturing, investment and economic growth in India."

The ceremony also marked Hyundai Motor India's milestone of 4 million cumulative passenger vehicle exports from India since 1999, alongside domestic sales approaching 10 million units. The Venue model produced at the Pune facility will be exported to more than 35 countries as part of the company's global supply chain strategy.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Automotive technology firm Six Sense Mobility has opened its first manufacturing facility in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, following an investment of over INR 150 million. The launch coincides with the company's fourth anniversary and supports a target revenue of INR 5 billion backed by an INR 1.6 billion order book.

The company, supported by IIT Delhi and funded by Piper Serica and investor Ashish Kacholia, currently supplies automotive devices to markets in India and Europe. Six Sense Mobility plans to expand operations into North America and Southeast Asia, while tripling its workforce over the next two years by adding approximately 300 engineering and manufacturing positions.

The new 40,000-square-foot plant features integrated electronics manufacturing and assembly capabilities with an annual installed capacity exceeding one million units. The facility brings hardware development, firmware engineering, software integration and serial assembly under one roof to manufacture connected-vehicle electronics, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication devices, radar systems, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Sumit Roy, Co-Founder 7 CEO, Six Sense Mobility, said, "Four years ago, we set out to build automotive electronics with full control over the hardware and software. This facility gives us the capacity to support larger customer programmes and take technologies like V2X from the lab into vehicles at scale. Designing and manufacturing them here in India is our contribution to Make in India and the journey toward Viksit Bharat".

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!