Embodied AI revolutionises autonomous vehicles

Could this next-gen technology enable completely self-driving cars?

Spotted: Artificial intelligence is extremely powerful, and its potential applications and capabilities are expanding by the day. However, because AI is routed in computing and data, its ability to interact and respond to the real world environment is limited. Embodied AI, where an AI-powered system (like a robot) can interact with surroundings, changes that and brings the tech into the physical world.

One startup that’s seen the potential in embodied AI is UK-based Wayve, but instead of robots, the company is integrating AI into vehicles to revolutionise the potential and safety of autonomous cars. Wayve is building foundation models, similar to a “GPT for driving”, which enables a vehicle to see and respond to changes on the road and drive through any environment.

Using camera, GPS, and Radar/LiDAR sensors and end-to-end AI, the technology converts external sensor inputs into safe driving outputs within a car, having been trained on and continually learning from real-world data and scenarios on the road. The mapless, hardware-agnostic AI Driver can be adapted to any kind of vehicle and upgraded as Wayve’s technology advances. The company has a scale of AI Driver solutions, ranging from an L2+ AI Driver Assist for an ‘eyes on, hands off’ experience, to the L4 AI Driver, which is a fully automated ‘eyes off, hands off’ offering.

In May this year, Wayve closed a $1.03 billion series C funding round led by SoftBank Group, with participation from chip manufacturer Nvidia and Microsoft. This financing will allow Wayve to develop and commercialise its first embodied AI products for mass-produced vehicles, as well as continue developing solutions so manufacturers can upgrade existing automation levels in their cars. The potential of Wayve’s technology also goes beyond self-driving cars, and could transform what AI-powered robots are capable of doing in future.

Written By: Matilda Cox