Nvidia Accelerates Robotaxi Ambitions with 2027 Target
Nvidia is expanding its automotive footprint with a strategic push into robotaxi computing systems, though the segment remains a minor contributor to its overall revenue. The chipmaker's automotive and robotics division generated $592 million last quarter—just 1% of total sales—but demonstrates growing potential in autonomous mobility.
The company has forged key partnerships, including an October collaboration with Uber to develop self-driving taxi technology. By December, Nvidia unveiled urban autonomy software that Mercedes-Benz will implement in 2026 vehicles, equipping them to navigate complex cityscapes like San Francisco.
Nvidia's $3,500 Drive AGX Thor systems are reducing development costs for automakers while accelerating time-to-market for autonomous features. "Some manufacturers handle their own simulation while leveraging our chips for software optimization," said Ali Kani, head of Nvidia's automotive platform division.
The autonomous taxi sector gained momentum throughout 2023, with Alphabet's Waymo currently leading operational deployments. Nvidia conducted preliminary test drives in December to validate its technology's readiness for scaled implementation.