Nvidia unveiled a new technology platform for self-driving cars, named Alpamayo, at the annual CES technology conference in Las Vegas. The company, primarily known for its chips that power AI software like ChatGPT, is expanding its focus to incorporate AI into physical products.

According to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Alpamayo will enable autonomous vehicles to "think through rare scenarios, drive safely in complex environments, and explain their driving decisions." Huang stated that this new system would bring "reasoning" to autonomous vehicles.

Nvidia is collaborating with Mercedes-Benz to develop a driverless car powered by Alpamayo. The initial launch is slated for the U.S. in the coming months, followed by a rollout in Europe and Asia.

The move reflects a broader trend among leading technology companies to explore hardware applications for AI. While Nvidia's chips have been instrumental in the AI revolution, much of the attention has been on software applications. The company's push into self-driving car technology signals a shift towards integrating AI into physical products.

Huang, in his presentation, emphasized the significance of this project for Nvidia, highlighting the lessons learned in developing the technology. The company sees this as a pivotal moment for "physical AI," akin to ChatGPT's impact on software.