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China's OmniVision deepens Nvidia ties in DRIVE AGX Thor ecosystem

, DIGITIMES Asia, Taipei
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Credit: AFP

OmniVision Group, formerly Will Semiconductor, confirmed on September 16 that it has entered Nvidia's supply chain. The company is supporting the DRIVE AGX Thor ecosystem with advanced imaging solutions designed to power next-generation intelligent vehicles, according to a disclosure on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's investor platform.

Nvidia's DRIVE AGX Thor is a next-generation automotive computing platform for ADAS and autonomous driving. Based on the Blackwell architecture, it delivers up to 1,000 TOPS (INT8) of AI performance and offers a full software ecosystem for automakers, Tier 1 suppliers, and autonomous vehicle developers. Its developer kit opened for pre-orders in late August and is scheduled to ship in September to speed testing and deployment of smart mobility solutions.

Collaboration with Nvidia deepens

OmniVision has a history with Nvidia's automotive platforms, having supplied image sensors for the DRIVE AGX Orin system launched in 2019 for self-driving cars and robotics. In an August press release, Nvidia highlighted OmniVision as one of its DRIVE AGX Thor ecosystem partners, alongside AdaCore, Lauterbach, QNX, and Vector Informatik.

In March, Nvidia launched Halos, a comprehensive automotive safety system that integrates hardware, software, and AI-driven safety research. As part of Halos, the company set up the "Nvidia AI Systems Check Lab" to help automakers validate product safety. OmniVision was named a founding member alongside Ficosa, Onsemi, and Continental AG. Dr. Paul Wu, OmniVision's head of automotive product marketing, said at the time:

"Cars are no longer just vehicles; they are becoming entertainment and information hubs. They must constantly improve their ability to keep us safe. We are excited to join Nvidia's new AI Systems Safety Lab, which reflects our commitment to achieving the highest safety standards in our products."

OmniVision's involvement with Nvidia is part of a long-standing collaboration across multiple automotive technology platforms rather than a new development. The company's recent confirmation appears intended to highlight its role in Nvidia's ecosystem at a time when supply-chain disclosures have boosted valuations. Analysts noted that Innovasic's Hong Kong-listed shares doubled earlier this year after a similar Nvidia-related announcement.

Credit: Nvidia

Credit: Nvidia

Growing role in automotive image sensors

Founded in 1995, OmniVision is a leading global supplier of CMOS image sensors used in smartphones, tablets, surveillance systems, and vehicles. Its portfolio includes the OV50H, OV64B, and OV48C, which are deployed in devices from Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo.

In automotive, OmniVision has become one of the world's leading CMOS image sensor (CIS) suppliers. As the industry shifts toward electrification, intelligence, and connectivity, sensors such as cameras and LiDAR are becoming critical for vehicle perception. OmniVision's technology is increasingly adopted in smart driving and in-cabin monitoring systems.

According to its 2025 interim results, OmniVision posted revenue of CNY13.956 billion (approx. US$1.96 billion) in the first half of the year, up 15.42% from a year earlier. Net profit rose 48.34% to CNY2.028 billion. In the second quarter, revenue reached CNY7.484 billion, with net profit climbing 43.58% to CNY1.162 billion.

Image sensors generated CNY10.346 billion in sales, or 74% of total revenue, growing 11.1% year-over-year. Automotive electronics contributed 37% of sensor sales, up 30% from last year, nearly matching the 38% share from smartphones, the company's traditional core market. OmniVision attributed growth to rising adoption in surround-view and driver-assistance systems and stronger demand in action cameras.

Industry adoption of Nvidia's DRIVE AGX Thor is accelerating. Automakers, including BYD, GAC Group, IM Motors, Li Auto, Volvo Cars, Xiaomi, and Zeekr, are already developing on the platform, highlighting the importance of robust sensor ecosystems such as OmniVision's in enabling autonomous and intelligent mobility.

Positioning for smart mobility

The rising adoption of high-definition, multifunctional, and intelligent in-vehicle cameras is set to further expand OmniVision's automotive footprint. Its collaboration with Nvidia across DRIVE AGX Thor, DRIVE AGX Orin, and Halos positions the company at the center of the global shift toward intelligent, software-defined vehicles.

By leveraging its imaging expertise, OmniVision is cementing its role in Nvidia's supply chain while strengthening its position in one of the fastest-growing segments of the semiconductor industry.

Article edited by Jack Wu