Qualcomm's Vision for AI-Powered Vehicles

Murty's Podcast

• Qualcomm's automotive expert Nakul Duggal envisions cars as an extension of our digital lives, with AI systems that anticipate our needs, enhance our experiences, and capture special moments.
• In the latest BMW i5, Qualcomm’s group general manager of automotive, Nakul Duggal, demonstrates how the car of the future could be more than just a vehicle. The 2025 i5, equipped with Qualcomm’s chip technology, has around 500 sensors that measure various aspects of the car and its environment. Duggal envisions cars as an extension of our digital lives, integrated seamlessly into our daily routines.
• The car doesn’t yet have all the AI technology announced at this year’s Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit. If it did, it could potentially detect the discomfort of its passengers in the heat and adjust the air conditioning accordingly. The car’s internal and external sensors, along with a small camera, could detect such subtle changes in the environment and the passengers’ condition.
• Qualcomm recently announced major upgrades to its automotive platforms, the Snapdragon Ride Elite and Snapdragon Cockpit Elite. These platforms will be used by automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Chinese EV maker Li Auto to develop their next generation of AI-powered driving and in-car experiences. These experiences could range from functional, such as identifying maintenance needs, to whimsical, like turning a scenic drive into a Van Gogh-style artwork.
• Duggal believes that the car’s AI system could help capture special moments on the road, making the car a part of our memories. The AI system could also learn our preferences over time, such as our favorite playlist or coffee shop, and incorporate them into our daily commute. The goal is to have AI operate in the background, anticipating our needs and preferences without us even realizing it.
• Duggal also sees the car as a rich environment for AI to learn and become more relevant. The car’s numerous sensors and data inputs could lead to new use cases, such as a car noticing a teenager’s driving habits and informing the parents.
• However, not all cars will benefit from these advancements, especially older models. But Duggal believes that AI will eventually infiltrate cars of all prices, not just luxury vehicles. Qualcomm has developed different solutions for different price tags, and each of their auto partners, including Li Auto, Mercedes, Rivian, and General Motors, will use AI in their own unique ways.
• Source: NewsGPT