Earlier this year, NVIDIA announced that it had expanded its high-tech solutions for automakers to include autonomous drive-ready software. In simplest terms, purchasing and implementing NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion architecture and full‑stack NVIDIA DRIVE AV L4 software turns vehicles into robotaxis without automakers having to develop the tech themselves. Unlike other autonomous vehicle solution providers, NVIDIA’s technology comes in a standardized package. And, it’s able to digest information approximately 42 percent faster than its closest competitor. This turnkey-like solution to autonomous vehicles is the reason why NVIDIA is Newsweek’s World’s Greatest Auto Disruptors Research and Development Disruptor of the Year. Companies liken NVIDIA’s solution to being the brains of the behind-the-scenes operation of a vehicle. The “brain” sends commands to the vehicle’s drive system components (steering, accelerating and braking, among them) to cause the vehicle to navigate a set route, when enabled. Automakers are able to customize a number of the system’s key elements, including how the vehicle perceives, plans and acts to match their brand guidelines, vehicle type and operational design domain. Crucially, the system is adaptable for various levels of autonomy, from Level 2++ to Level 4. A Level 2++ designation, a marketing term derived from the SAE Level 2 standard, indicates that a vehicle is able to handle steering, braking and lane change operations on highways and city streets. Level 4 autonomy is designated for capability that is highly automated where a vehicle handles all driving tasks within a geofenced area without human intervention. Mercedes-Benz was the first automaker to roll out the full suite of NVIDIA technology in its vehicles, implementing it in the new CLA sedan. Many other companies already use parts of the tech suite, including Hyundai Motor Group, BYD, Zeekr, Isuzu, Stellantis and Lucid Group. Read about all of Newsweek’s Greatest Auto Disruptors 2026