ECARX and Arm have entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore and develop high-performance artificial intelligence (AI) computing platforms for mobility and cross-industry applications.
The companies will undertake joint research and development and define products under the agreement.
Their co-engineering work will include system-level architecture definition, performance optimisation, software enablement, functional safety, toolchain and cybersecurity validation, and ecosystem development.
The work will target tailored compute configurations for China and international markets, covering mobility applications and broader physical AI uses.
Arm physical AI executive vice president Drew Henry said: “By combining Arm's compute platform with ECARX's proven automotive expertise, we see an opportunity to explore new approaches to high-performance, efficient computing across AI-defined vehicles and other autonomous systems.”
The agreement follows existing co-operation between ECARX and Arm, including activity through automotive semiconductor developer SiEngine.
SiEngine has supplied 7nm SE1000 automotive-grade systems-on-chip (SoCs) to global original equipment manufacturers, with millions of units produced and deployed since mass production began in March 2023.
Development is under way on the 5nm SE2000 SoC platform.
ECARX founder and CEO Ziyu Shen added: “Bringing together Arm's industry‑leading compute architectures and ECARX's full‑stack automotive capabilities, we will build scalable high-performance compute for next generation intelligent vehicles, and also explore opportunities for cross‑industry deployment. Our teams will now advance joint technical roadmap definition and co‑engineering to translate this shared vision into practical solutions for global markets.”
Last month, ECARX acquired the full Flyme software business for 1.8bn yuan (then $266m) in cash, gaining full ownership of Hubei Qiguang Technology.
The acquisition included Flyme Auto, an in-vehicle cockpit operating system, and Flyme OS, a cross-device operating system.
In June, ECARX and TPK signed a binding memorandum of business co-operation to co-develop LiDAR sensor technology. The agreement marked ECARX’s entry into the LiDAR market.
