Renesas Electronics Corporation, a prominent supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, has recently introduced a new cloud-based development environment known as AI Workbench. The purpose of this platform is to streamline the software design process for automotive AI engineers by providing them with an integrated virtual development environment in the cloud.
This environment enables engineers to commence the design of automotive software using Microsoft Azure services, including Azure Compute, IaaS services, Microsoft Entra ID, and Azure Security. Instead of the traditional method of installing tools on a PC or obtaining an evaluation board, tasks such as performance evaluation, debugging, and verification can now be performed using online simulation tools. This approach is aligned with the “Shift-Left” approach, allowing for software creation and testing earlier in the design cycle, even before the actual hardware becomes available. For example, engineers can begin developing AI-enabled application software to support Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving for the upcoming fifth-generation R-Car System on Chip (SoC) prior to the availability of hardware samples. The AI Workbench is poised to become a unified development platform for designing and testing Renesas’ scalable automotive SoCs and microcontrollers (MCUs), regardless of product type or application.
Mandali Khalesi, Global VP, HPC AI and Cloud Technology at Renesas, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Microsoft in introducing a cloud-based virtual development and AI model performance testing environment for automotive AI engineers. The collaboration aims to enhance the AI development environment through new features such as continuous monitoring and analysis of software usage.
According to Ulrich Homann, Corporate Vice President & Distinguished Architect, Cloud + AI at Microsoft, cloud-based development provides a secure and cost-effective method to address the increasing complexities of today’s embedded projects. The collaboration between Renesas and Microsoft aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the automotive industry. With Renesas’ AI Workbench, developers can efficiently build and test software for various applications using Renesas SoCs in a cloud-based environment powered by Azure.
Presently, the AI Workbench offers four functional blocks, with plans to incorporate additional features in the future. These include an upgraded AI Compiler Toolchain, AI Model Performance Testing Environment, Software Development Environment, and Software Evaluation/Verification Environment.
The AI Workbench is expected to be available in limited preview starting January 2024, with plans to expand availability from Q2 2024. More information about the AI Workbench can be found at renesas.com/ai-workbench.
In conclusion, the launch of Renesas’ AI Workbench represents a significant advancement in the field of automotive AI software development. The cloud-based environment is anticipated to empower engineers to expedite the software design and testing process, ultimately contributing to the progression of AI technology in the automotive industry.
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