- Turing has added AMD Ventures to its list of backers and begun adopting Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s AI accelerators in its systems.
- Currently, Turing handles roughly 10% of its AI training needs with AMD graphics processing units, according to company executives.
- Turing aims to offer its software on the consumer market and in driverless robotaxis as early as 2028.
- Turing conducted a 30-minute test drive in the outskirts of Tokyo last year and has since replicated the experiment in more congested areas.
- Turing raised $79 million in an equity and debt extension to its Series A round, which valued the startup at about $600 million.
Turing Inc., a self-driving technology developer, has recently secured investment from AMD Ventures and is now incorporating AMD's AI accelerators into its systems, marking a shift from its previous reliance on Nvidia hardware. Company executives revealed that Turing now utilizes AMD graphics processing units for approximately 10% of its AI training needs, a strategic move aimed at diversifying supply and reducing costs in the competitive autonomous driving sector.123456
The startup has raised $79 million in an equity and debt extension to its Series A funding round, bringing its valuation to around $600 million. Although the specific amount invested by AMD Ventures remains undisclosed, the partnership is seen as a significant step towards enhancing Turing's capabilities as it prepares for a commercial launch of its robotaxi service by 2028.
Turing's co-founder and CEO, Issei Yamamoto, emphasized the importance of the autonomous driving industry in Japan, stating, "Autos is a very important industry in Japan. If Japan ends up losing this industry, we won't have anything to export." The company has conducted successful test drives in various congested areas, showcasing its technology's potential to attract auto partners. As competition intensifies, particularly with partnerships like Nissan and Uber launching pilot services in Tokyo, Turing aims to solidify its position in the market.
The decision to adopt AMD's technology is part of Turing's broader strategy to ensure price competitiveness in the capital-intensive autonomous driving arena, as it continues to innovate and expand its offerings.
“Turing raised $79 million in an equity and debt extension, reaching a $600 million valuation, and now handles 10% of AI training on AMD GPUs. The startup has conducted test drives in Tokyo and other congested areas, while a Nissan-Wayve-Uber partnership plans a rival robotaxi pilot in Tokyo by year-end.”
Yahoo Finance
