General Motors (GM) and Nvidia have broadened their partnership to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into various aspects of the automaker's operations, including factories, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.

The announcement was made by Nvidia's founder and CEO at the GTC conference in San Jose. He emphasized that the era of autonomous vehicles has officially begun.

Under the agreement, Nvidia will supply GM with AI infrastructure, primarily graphics processing units (GPUs), while also assisting the automaker in developing its own AI systems.

Nvidia has long-standing collaborations with the automotive and autonomous driving industries, providing GPUs for companies like Tesla, Wayve, and Waymo, used in data centers or directly in vehicles. Furthermore, Nvidia has created an autonomous vehicle platform featuring an operating system called DriveOS, which supports real-time AI processing and integrates advanced driving and cockpit functionalities.

GM plans to leverage Nvidia’s Omniverse and Cosmos technologies to train AI models for manufacturing, aiding in the development of next-generation factories and robotics. Using Omniverse, GM can create digital twin models of its factories and assembly lines, allowing virtual testing of new production processes without disrupting current vehicle manufacturing. This initiative will include training GM’s robotic platforms, which are already utilized in tasks like material handling, transportation, and precision welding.

In addition, GM will adopt Nvidia Drive AGX as its in-vehicle hardware to support future advanced driver-assistance systems and enhanced safety features. Recently, GM halted funding for its commercial robotaxi development program, redirecting resources toward its hands-free driving assistance system, Super Cruise. Currently, GM is consolidating efforts with its autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, to develop driver-assistance capabilities with the ultimate goal of achieving fully autonomous personal vehicles.

Prior to this expanded collaboration, GM had already been using Nvidia GPUs to train AI models for simulations and validation. The new partnership scope now includes utilizing Nvidia’s AI products to enhance the design and operation of automotive factories.