AI chip firm Kneron is making waves in the tech industry as it looks to rival industry giant Nvidia. While Nvidia focuses on graphics processing units (GPUs) that power servers and data centers, Kneron takes a different approach by designing chipsets that enable AI on the “edge,” meaning AI runs directly on the device rather than relying on cloud computing. Kneron’s semiconductors, known as neural processing units (NPUs), are designed for consumer electronics and vehicles, with its latest product being the KL730 chip, specifically tailored for autonomous driving.
According to Albert Liu, CEO of Kneron, the cost-effectiveness of their NPUs compared to GPUs could be a major selling point. “GPUs are expensive to run which could help demand for its NPUs,” Liu stated. Kneron believes that enabling AI on-device not only provides faster processing speeds but also enhances security, as sensitive data doesn’t have to be transmitted to and from the cloud.
Kneron’s recent funding round of $49 million, with backers including Foxconn, will enable the company to further its efforts in advancing autonomous driving through AI. “With this tranche in funding, Kneron is specifically focused on expanding its efforts in enabling AI to make autonomous driving a reality,” the company stated in a press release.
Kneron faces fierce competition in the AI chip market, going up against established players like Qualcomm and MediaTek, as well as other startups developing AI semiconductors. However, Kneron’s focus on edge computing and its potential advantages in terms of cost and security give it a unique position in the market.
As the demand for AI continues to rise across various industries, the development of efficient and cost-effective AI chips is crucial. The ability to process AI tasks directly on devices opens up new possibilities for innovation and applications. Kneron’s dedication to on-device AI and its growing funding support signal a promising future for the company in the fiercely competitive AI chip market.
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