Key facts
- Waymo developed a custom 5nm ASIC chip for its next-generation Ojai robotaxi.
- The chip provides over 1,000 TOPS of computing performance.
- This custom silicon is designed to handle massive data influx from sensors like 13 cameras.
- Waymo aims for unmatched efficiency and performance for safe operation in complex environments.
- Partners in Waymo's compute efforts include AMD, Micron, Nvidia, Samsung, Sandisk, Socionext, and TSMC.
Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has developed its own custom silicon chip to enhance the performance and efficiency of its robotaxi fleet. The company revealed this week that its next-generation Ojai robotaxi, now available to all riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, is powered by a custom 5nm ASIC chip.
This custom silicon is designed to handle the massive influx of data generated by the vehicle's sensors, including 13 high-fidelity cameras. Waymo states the chip delivers over 1,000 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of computing performance, positioning it competitively with high-end processors like Nvidia's DRIVE AGX Thor. The company asserts this chip is crucial for enabling its system to react quickly and safely in complex urban environments.
Waymo is working with a range of partners on its compute efforts, including AMD, Micron, Nvidia, Samsung, Sandisk, Socionext, and TSMC. The development of custom silicon is part of Waymo's strategy to reduce build, operating, and maintenance costs for its robotaxis, a key step towards achieving profitability.
In other mobility news, the Idaho National Laboratory is reportedly investigating potential security risks associated with Chinese lidar sensors in U.S. vehicles, funded by companies in the EV and autonomous vehicle sectors. Startups also saw significant activity: Also raised $150 million in Series D funding, Serve Robotics secured partnerships with Grubhub and expanded its DoorDash deal, and Einride will purchase 500 Tesla electric Semis. Grounded raised $5 million in seed funding, and Vessev secured $19 million in Series A funding. Uber is investing in drone delivery company Zipline, aiming for one million daily deliveries by 2029, and also received a significant fine in the Netherlands for data protection violations related to driver accounts. Tesla is recalling millions of vehicles in China due to a door release issue, while Tesla, Uber, and Waymo have all obtained permits for commercial robotaxi operations in Nevada's Clark County.