In a strategic move to advance autonomous vehicle technology, Mercedes-Benz has launched Athos Silicon, a newly independent chip company focused on developing ultra efficient computing systems for self driving cars, drones, and electric vehicles.
Athos Silicon emerges from Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, where a team of engineers spent five years crafting next-generation chip architectures. These chips are designed to deliver high reliability while consuming significantly less energy an essential feature for electric vehicles where computing power competes with propulsion for battery resources.
The company’s breakthrough lies in its use of chiplets modular components that can be integrated into a single package. This design not only enhances fault tolerance but also slashes power consumption by up to 20 times compared to traditional multi-chip systems. Mercedes-Benz has provided Athos with intellectual property and a substantial investment, though financial details remain undisclosed. Athos will operate with an independent board and plans to seek additional venture capital, positioning itself as a neutral supplier to the broader automotive industry.