Sally Ward-Foxton: Mercedes Applies Neuromorphic Computing in EV Concept Car

The Mercedes Vision EQXX concept car, promoted as “the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built,” incorporates neuromorphic computing to help reduce power consumption and extend vehicle range. To that end, BrainChip’s Akida neuromorphic chip enables in-cabin keyword spotting as a more power-efficient way than existing AI-based keyword detection systems.

As automakers shift their focus to electric vehicles, many are struggling to squeeze every last volt from a single battery charge. The need to reduce power consumption in vehicle electronic systems has therefore become critical to extending EV range. Touting Vision EQXX as “a car that thinks like you,” Mercedes promises range of more than 1,000 km (about 620 miles) on a single charge.

“Working with California-based artificial intelligence experts BrainChip, Mercedes-Benz engineers developed systems based on BrainChip’s Akida hardware and software,” Mercedes noted in a statement describing the Vision EQXX. “The example in the Vision EQXX is the “Hey Mercedes” hot-word detection. Structured along neuromorphic principles, it is five to ten times more efficient than conventional voice control,” the carmaker claimed… READ THE FULL ARTICLE