Japan’s Turing takes AMD backing to revolutionize self-driving technology
Turing Inc., a five-year-old Japanese startup, is harnessing AMD’s support to challenge Nvidia’s dominance in the self-driving car landscape.
July 6, 2026 – 11:52 am
Image by: Turing Inc.
Nvidia currently powers most self-driving cars, but Turing Inc. is making a strategic shift. The startup has started running its AI on AMD chips, moving away from Nvidia’s dominance, as it aims to deliver self-driving software to consumer cars and robotaxis by 2028. This move is primarily driven by cost efficiency.
Why AMD? Now.
Turing initially relied on Nvidia hardware, but now, about 10% of its AI training runs on AMD graphics chips. AMD’s proximity to Nvidia in Santa Clara and their competitive pricing were key factors. AMD Ventures has also joined Turing’s investor list, alongside other industry players backing the shift away from Nvidia.
Late but cheaper: An advantage?
Turing acknowledges arriving late to the market but believes cost savings will be significant. The startup’s CFO, Masato Morishima, argues that since new car models are introduced every 3-5 years, their delayed entry won’t hinder progress.
The competition is already ahead with pilot robotaxi services planned for Tokyo later this year. However, Turing has conducted its own trials, demonstrating its commitment to autonomous driving.
National pride and future of carmaking
Turing’s ambition extends beyond the company; it’s about Japan’s position in the global automotive industry. Co-founder Issei Yamamoto emphasizes that autos are crucial for Japan’s economy, and autonomous driving will determine the country’s future in car manufacturing.
By adopting AMD chips, Turing aims to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry, where every design win matters. For AMD, this is a significant victory against Nvidia’s dominance.