Hyundai Motor Group has lagged behind in launching its in-house driver-assistance technology. The company’s software, which was supposed to be launched by the end of 2027, will now be launched with a delay of two years, in the end of 2029. Meanwhile, to maintain its hold in the market, Hyundai has joined hands with American chip manufacturer Nvidia.
The company will introduce Level 2+ and Level 2++ features of advanced driver-assistance system in collaboration with Nvidia in 2028. Level 2+ helps in driving on the highway, while Level 2++ works in city traffic like Tesla’s full self-driving system.
This delay clearly shows how challenging it is proving for Hyundai to create its own automated driving software. Along with this, the danger of lagging behind Tesla and Chinese companies is also looming.
We are not completely dependent on Nvidia
Park Min-woo, President of Hyundai Motor Group, said, our partnership with Nvidia does not mean that we have completely handed our fate into their hands. Park said that Hyundai will co-design the technology with Nvidia and will use the data obtained from it to improve its own software Atria.
Start without lidar sensor
Park said that Hyundai’s cars running on Nvidia’s Hyperion 10 platform will not initially have expensive lidar sensors. Instead of this, cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radar will be used. However, the company is considering Lidar sensor for Level-3 automated system. In this the driver can take his hands off the steering. Park said, sensor redundancy is necessary to ensure security. If one sensor fails, the other should take over.
Data collection and further strategy
Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia Corp sell more than 70 lakh vehicles annually. The company will use this huge fleet to collect driving data. Hyundai hopes to surpass all its competitors in terms of collecting driving data by 2033. Apart from this, Hyundai is now strengthening its partnership with Nvidia for autonomous driving, AI data center and humanoid robots of Boston Dynamics.
