Intel, the once-dominant chipmaker struggling to remain related amid intense competitors and slumping development, is transferring into China’s booming electrical automobile (EV) market. The corporate has launched a brand new graphics processing unit (GPU) designed particularly for in-car AI functions, even because it faces stress from Washington to restrict high-tech exports to China.
The California-based firm unveiled its Arc Graphics for Automotive discrete GPU at a product launch occasion in Shenzhen on 8 August 2024. This transfer comes as Intel grapples with disappointing monetary outcomes which have sunk its shares by almost 60% this yr, forcing the corporate to announce plans to put off greater than 15% of its workforce – some 17,500 workers – as a part of drastic cost-cutting measures.
Regardless of these challenges, Intel is doubling down on the world’s largest EV market. “China’s fast EV improvement cycles and superior technological adoption make it a super testing floor for our next-generation applied sciences,” mentioned Jack Weast, VP and GM of Intel Automotive, in an announcement launched for the occasion.
The brand new chip, a part of Intel’s Arc Collection discrete GPUs first launched in 2022 for video gaming laptops, guarantees to “run full massive language fashions (LLMs) contained in the automotive” and allow “triple-A gaming experiences,” in addition to run generative AI functions regionally relatively than counting on cloud computing. This push into automotive AI displays the rising demand for computing energy in more and more subtle automobile cockpits. US semiconductor rivals Nvidia and Superior Micro Units additionally ramped their efforts on this market phase.
Intel defies geopolitical tensions with concentrate on China
Intel’s transfer to concentrate on the Chinese language market is especially noteworthy given the continued tensions between Washington and Beijing. The US Authorities has been pressuring semiconductor companies to limit high-tech exports to China, citing nationwide safety considerations. Nevertheless, Intel appears to be charting its course, in search of to deepen ties with the world’s second-largest financial system.
This technique is obvious in Intel’s latest actions in China. In July 2022, the corporate partnered with the Nanshan district authorities in Shenzhen to launch the Intel Better Bay Space Innovation Centre, specializing in applied sciences together with AI and edge computing. Extra just lately, Intel determined to maneuver the headquarters of its automotive unit to mainland China, with Weast himself relocating to Beijing.
Total, the launch of the Arc Graphics for Automotive GPU is not only about getting into a brand new market phase; it’s additionally about providing a scalable platform for automakers. Intel claims its resolution permits automotive producers to design a single-vehicle platform that scales throughout totally different trim ranges. Entry and mid-level fashions can leverage Intel’s software-defined automobile (SDV) system-on-chips (SoCs). In distinction, higher-end autos can profit from the added horsepower of the discrete GPU for extra premium options.
This strategy could possibly be notably interesting to Chinese language automakers recognized for his or her fast improvement cycles and eagerness to include cutting-edge applied sciences. By providing a versatile and scalable platform, Intel is positioning itself as a key accomplice within the evolution of good autos on the earth’s largest auto market.
Nevertheless, Intel’s technique has dangers. The corporate’s determination to deepen its engagement with China comes at a time of excessive geopolitical tensions, and the worldwide semiconductor business is more and more caught within the crossfire of US-China relations. There’s additionally the query of whether or not Intel can successfully compete in a market the place it’s taking part in catch-up to extra established gamers within the automotive chip area.
Furthermore, Intel’s pivot to China and the automotive sector comes as the corporate faces important inside challenges. The just lately introduced layoffs are a part of a broader restructuring effort to chop prices and streamline operations. When requested whether or not the job cuts would have an effect on workers on the mainland, Intel advised Chinese language information outlet Jiemian that the layoffs are “world” with out offering particular particulars.
As Intel navigates these turbulent waters, the success of its automotive AI initiative in China may show essential. If the corporate can set up a robust foothold on this quickly rising market, it would discover the lifeline it must regain its footing within the world semiconductor business. Nevertheless, the trail ahead is fraught with technological and geopolitical challenges that can take a look at Intel’s potential to innovate and adapt in an more and more advanced world market.
(Photograph: Intel)
See additionally: US plans to ban Chinese language tech in autonomous autos
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