Waymo and Intel have been working together to develop the technology that powers self-driving cars for the past eight years. It sounds like something of an obvious partnership, but few people outside their engineering teams knew that was the case before today. As Waymo inches ever closer to commercializing autonomous technology and Intel seeks greater prominence in this nascent market, the two companies have now disclosed their longtime partnership. The nature of that relationship has deepened as Waymo prepares to launch hundreds of automated vehicles.
Intel?s chips are providing the processing power for a fleet of roughly 600 Chrysler Pacifica autonomous minivans that are being built for a massive pilot project in Phoenix, Arizona. While that?s already the largest fleet of autonomous cars in existence, the two Silicon Valley tech mainstays are looking at what lies beyond. ?As Waymo?s self-driving technology becomes smarter and more capable, its high-performance hardware and software will require even more powerful and efficient compute,? said Waymo CEO John Krafcik. ?By working closely with Waymo, Intel can offer Waymo?s fleet of vehicles the advanced processing power required for Level 4 and 5 autonomy.?

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?Given the pace at which autonomous driving is coming

to life, I fully expect my children?s children will never have

to drive a car. That?s an astounding thought.?
? Brian Krzanich, Intel CEO
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So many unknowns still remain on the road toward those highest levels ...