AMD, Arm and Qualcomm have ploughed $60 million into UK self-driving upstart Wayve, as part of an eye-watering $1.2 billion funding round.

Their investment isn’t just about the cash—it's also to get a seat at the AI table. Wayve’s tech is designed to work with any sensor and any chip, offering automakers versatile options for their vehicles.

Wayne’s unique approach uses end-to-end neural networks to teach vehicles how to drive based on real-time data from sensors. They’ve got two products: an assisted-driving system where the driver has to keep a close eye, and a fully automated one that can handle driving in certain environments, ideal for robotaxis.

Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis are already onboard, with plans to integrate Wayve’s tech into their upcoming models. The new funding will support global integration of this AI-driven driving technology.

For Wayve's founders, expanding relationships with silicon giants is key to scaling up their ambitious project. As Alex Kendall puts it: 'For embodied AI to scale, automakers need design choice and supply chain flexibility.'