Synopsys, a leading provider of chip-design software, and SiMa.ai, a startup specializing in energy-efficient AI hardware and software for cars, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the development of artificial intelligence (AI) chips for the automotive industry.
Focus on Energy-Efficient AI for Automobiles
The collaboration is designed to support automakers and suppliers in developing AI-powered chips that can handle diverse functions within cars, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs). As EVs face competition for battery power between chips and drive systems, energy-efficient AI solutions are crucial. SiMa.ai has developed hardware and software that can handle a variety of AI tasks, such as computer vision for driver-assistance systems and voice assistants that listen for driver commands.
Partnership Benefits
The partnership will provide Synopsys users access to SiMa.ai’s intellectual property, enabling automakers to use advanced tools to simulate how chips and software will work together. This will help car manufacturers and suppliers identify the best chip-and-software combinations for their specific needs, improving performance and energy efficiency.
Industry Implications
SiMa.ai aims to integrate advanced AI technologies, such as voice assistants, into vehicles within the next three years. However, these AI technologies typically rely on power-hungry chips used in data centers, requiring adaptation to meet the energy demands of automobiles. SiMa.ai’s solutions are designed to be highly energy-efficient, fitting within the power and performance constraints of automotive applications.
Krishna Rangasayee, CEO of SiMa.ai, emphasized that the company’s technology is specifically built to meet the energy and performance needs of the automotive sector. The companies did not disclose the financial details of the agreement.