LIVE FROM CES 2016: Chipset vendor Nvidia kicked off this year’s event by announcing Drive PX2, which is described as “the world’s first in-car super computer”.

Last year the vendor announced its predecessor, the Drive PX. “Several thousand man years have gone into advances in self-driving cars at Nvidia over the last year,” said CEO Jens-Hsun-Huang (pictured).

However he acknowledged developing a car that can perceive, and negotiate, obstacles for itself on busy streets is not straightforward.

“Self-driving cars is hard,” he said, referring to changeable factors such as roadworks and pedestrians. “It can be chaotic, complex and sometimes hazardous”.

The solution, he argued, is to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable major advances in areas such as image recognition, which are central to autonomous driving. Drive PX2 is based on AI.

Nvidia’s strategy involves a so-called deep learning platform for self-driving cars, involving a cloud-connected world where an individual vehicle reports back to the wider network about changing conditions. The network then updates other cars on the road.

Nvidia’s deep learning technology consists of Drive PX2 as well as its Digits tool. A number of carmakers including BMW, Daimler and Ford are using Nvidia’s deep learning technology to develop their own self-driving technology, Nvidia’s chief explained. However, Reuters reports that Volvo Car Group will be the new device’s first customer.

Partnerships between automakers and Silicon Valley companies on self-driving technologies are taking centre stage at this year’s show.

Also on Monday, General Motors announced a $500 million investment in ride-sharing service Lyft.