Volkswagen expands deep learning competence

Volkswagen is cooperating with US technology company NVIDIA with a view to expand its competence in the field of deep learning. IT experts from Volkswagen Data Lab will work on creating advanced AI systems with deep learning capabilities. For instance, the company is developing new procedures for optimising traffic flow in cities. Advanced AI systems are also among the prerequisites for developments such as intelligent human-robot cooperation.

Dr. Martin Hofmann, CIO, Volkswagen Group said, “Artificial intelligence is the key to the digital future of the Volkswagen Group. We want to develop and deploy high-performance AI systems ourselves. This is why we are expanding our expert knowledge required. Cooperation with NVIDIA will be a major step in this direction.”

Jensen Huang, CEO, NVIDIA, said “AI is the most powerful technological force of our era. Thanks to AI, data centers are changing dramatically and enterprise computing is being reinvented. NVIDIA’s deep learning solutions will enable Volkswagen to turn the enormous amounts of information in its data centers into valuable insight, and transform its business.”

In addition, Volkswagen has established a startup support program at its Data Lab to provide technical and financial support for international startups developing machine learning and deep learning applications for the automotive industry. Together with NVIDIA, Volkswagen will be admitting five startups to the support program. Both partners will also be launching a “Summer of Code” camp where high-performing students with qualifications in IT, mathematics or physics will have an opportunity to develop deep learning methods in teams and to implement them in a robotics environment.