The development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), self-driving cars and smart cockpits is closely related to AI. Although the chip war between China and the US has not stopped the technologies from progressing, automakers and governments already realize that they need to act proactively to secure specific chips for future development.
For example, China, which faces several restrictions, has been developing its own chips. US-based semiconductor companies that are impacted by the chip export ban are also offering alternatives to help their Chinese customers handle the situation.
The automotive industry has a large presence in Europe, the US, Japan and South Korea, which prompts the countries to plan their semiconductor production capacity. That is why TSMC, UMC, and Powerchip went to the US, Japan, and Europe to set up production facilities.
Smart cockpits will create business opportunities like human-machine interface (HMI), closely connected to AI. But sources said concerns about the internet and data security still exist. More time is needed for the market to be scaled.
Israel-based Mobileye is one of the leading autonomous driving technology companies. It recently launched a vision-only Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) solution based on its EyeQ4 and Q6. Carmakers can upgrade the system through software updates instead of using new chips. Mobileye is expected to start mass production of the ISDA in the fourth quarter of this year.
Tesla has the most well-known visual sensor system that enables L2 vehicle autonomy. It upgraded the system a year later and is integrating 4D imaging radar into the technology.
Advanced self-driving chips are mostly 4nm to 7nm semiconductors. Most of them have not been commercialized. In addition, a vehicle with L2+ autonomy only requires one or two of the advanced chips. However, Qualcomm, Apple and many Chinese companies have been developing the technology as it holds great potential.
Both automakers or suppliers will need to partner with foundries with stable production and quality products to scale up their self-driving technology. TSMC, Samsung and Intel are all expected to benefit from the opportunity.
Article translated by Peng Chen
