Waymo Breaks Free from Nvidia with Custom Chip for Robotaxis

Waymo has developed its own custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for its robotaxis, which is already in production. The new chip speeds up sensor data processing and improves AI models that enable vehicles to read and respond to their surroundings.

The chip runs above 1,000 TOPS, matching the performance of Nvidia's latest autonomous driving systems. This move reduces Waymo's dependence on Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), which it previously integrated into its computers.

Waymo has traditionally used parts from these companies but now aims to cut costs by shifting towards purpose-built vehicles. The new chip is manufactured using Taiwan Semiconductor's 5-nanometer process.

The custom silicon development is part of Alphabet's efforts to control AI infrastructure costs, as seen in the recent warrant arrangement with Marvell.