Ann: Change of Director's Interest Notice - Hehir, page-71

Yes, I agree completely and I hope the Brainchip sales/engineering team are annoying the crap out of MB!

Mercedes are doing their due diligence in testing different neuromorphic solutions for different purposes. They'd be mad not to, plus they have their own in-house AI system named MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) for their vehicles. It has a feature called MBUX Virtual Assistant, which integrates various AI technologies (including generative AI) to improve the interaction between the driver and the vehicle. This is where using Akida for in-cabin keyword spotting would actully complement the MBUX system very well, and keeps me hopeful that Akida will pass the EQXX test.
So, in my humble opinion, Loihi2 (fortunately) does not appear to be a direct competitor to Akida in this case as they serve different needs (and Loihi2 was not used in the EQXX as its still in the R&D phase).

How can Akida complement MBUX:
*Integrating BrainChip's Akida neuromorphic processor into Mercedes-Benz's in-house AI system, MB.OS, could offer several complementary benefits:
1.Energy Efficiency:Reduced Power Consumption: Akida's neuromorphic design, which processes data based on events rather than continuous operation, can significantly reduce power usage. This is particularly beneficial in electric vehicles where energy efficiency directly affects range.

2. Real-Time Processing:Faster Response Times: Neuromorphic processors like Akida are designed for low-latency processing, which could enhance real-time functionalities in vehicles, such as immediate voice command processing, real-time sensor data analysis for safety features, or adaptive driving controls.

3. Edge AI Capabilities:Local Processing: Akida enables edge computing, meaning AI tasks can be performed locally on the chip without relying on cloud services. This is crucial for privacy, security, and to ensure that the vehicle remains fully functional even without an internet connection.

4. Enhanced In-Cabin Experience:Advanced Voice Interaction: As seen with the Vision EQXX, Akida could enhance voice recognition systems by providing more efficient keyword spotting and voice command processing, leading to quicker and more accurate responses from the MBUX Virtual Assistant.

5. Sensor Data Processing:Optimized Sensor Integration: Akida can handle various sensor inputs (like visual, audio, or even olfactory) with high efficiency, potentially improving systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, or even future features like gesture control or mood detection for personalized cabin settings.

6. Incremental Learning:On-Device Learning: Akida supports on-device learning, which means the car's systems could adapt to the driver's habits over time without needing to upload data to the cloud, enhancing personalization securely.

7. Multimodal AI:Combining Sensor Modalities: Akida's ability to process different sensory inputs could allow for a more integrated AI system where, for instance, voice commands, visual cues, and driving behavior data are processed together to provide a more holistic driving experience or safety feature set.

8. Scalability and Flexibility:Adaptable Architecture: The scalable nature of Akida allows it to be tailored for specific applications within MB.OS, whether it's for main computational tasks or as an auxiliary processor for niche AI functions.

9. Reducing Computational Load:Offloading Tasks: By handling certain AI tasks, Akida could offload some of the computational burden from the main vehicle computer, potentially allowing for more complex features or reducing the need for as powerful (and power-hungry) central processors.

10. Sustainability:Lower Carbon Footprint: By optimizing AI operations to consume less power, Akida contributes to a lower energy footprint for the vehicle, aligning with Mercedes-Benz's sustainability goals.

By integrating Akida into MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz could enhance the system's capabilities, making the vehicle's AI more responsive, energy-efficient, and capable of handling complex tasks at the edge, all while maintaining or improving upon existing features like the MBUX Virtual Assistant. This combination could lead to vehicles that are smarter, more intuitive, and more environmentally friendly.

Key Considerations:

• While all these features make Akida an excellent complement to MB.OS, the extent of its integration depends on Mercedes-Benz's specific design choices and the scalability of Akida for high-demand automotive tasks.
• Some applications, such as mood detection or gesture control, may be speculative unless explicitly confirmed by Mercedes-Benz or BrainChip.

More info:
*Mercedes-Benz is utilizing both BrainChip's Akida neuromorphic processor and Intel's Loihi 2 chip because they address different needs within their vehicle systems. For instance, the Akida processor has been incorporated into concept vehicles like the Vision EQXX for in-cabin keyword spotting, while the Loihi 2 chip is being used in projects like NAOMI4Radar to optimize radar data processing. Mercedes-Benz is strategically leveraging multiple neuromorphic technologies to meet distinct functional requirements across their vehicle platforms.

BrainChip's Akida: Used in the Mercedes Vision EQXX for efficient in-cabin keyword spotting, aiming to reduce power consumption significantly compared to traditional AI methods for voice control. This approach was highlighted when the Vision EQXX was introduced as "the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built."

Intel's Loihi 2: Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with Intel in the NAOMI4Radar project, where Intel's neuromorphic chip, Loihi 2, is being used to assess and optimize the processing of radar data for automated driving systems.

Comparison:

Focus: Intel's Loihi focuses on research, development, and potential applications in automotive radar and AI, while BrainChip's Akida highlights actual real-world implementation in a concept car, emphasizing immediate energy efficiency gains.

Stage of Implementation: Intel's projects with Mercedes seem to be more in the research phase, aiming at future applications in automotive sensor technology. In contrast, BrainChip's Akida has been showcased in a tangible application within the Vision EQXX, demonstrating its current utility in energy conservation for AI tasks like voice control.

Technology Application: Akida's use is more about reducing power consumption for specific in-car functions (like voice commands), making it directly relevant to consumer experiences. Intel's Loihi, while also focused on efficiency, is being explored for potentially more complex data processing tasks related to autonomous driving.

In essence, integrating BrainChip's Akida neuromorphic processor into Mercedes-Benz's in-house AI system, MB.OS, could offer several complementary benefits while working alongside Intel's Loihi 2 chip, as the two technologies are not direct competitors but instead serve different roles.
*Grok2