Honda software-defined vehicles get AI boost with Mythic SoC investment

On February 4, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced an investment in Mythic, a Texas-based technology company, to jointly develop a system-on-a-chip (SoC) for Honda software-defined vehicles. The initiative focuses on improving computing performance and energy efficiency of artificial intelligence used in automated driving and advanced SDV functions.
Mythic brings original technologies and a proven track record in AI semiconductor development, positioning the collaboration to address rising computational demands in next-generation vehicles. By combining Honda’s automotive expertise with Mythic’s chip-level innovation, the companies aim to strengthen AI processing capabilities while keeping power consumption low.

Analog computing approach for next-generation AI

Mythic is a startup with deep expertise in semiconductor technologies based on analog computing. This approach enables high-efficiency AI processing with significantly reduced power usage, a critical requirement for in-vehicle applications where thermal limits and energy efficiency directly affect system performance.

Compute-in-memory technology and software readiness

For neuromorphic SoC development, Mythic has developed original analog compute-in-memory (CiM) technology along with a strong software implementation track record using tools such as a software development kit. Analog CiM minimizes data movement during computation, enabling both high computing performance and improved energy efficiency in AI workloads. Honda’s investment allows the company to closely monitor Mythic’s original technologies while maintaining flexibility to respond to future technological shifts and evolving societal trends related to mobility, automation, and energy use.

Joint SoC development for software-defined vehicles

Honda R&D Co., Ltd., the research and development subsidiary of Honda, will work with Mythic to co-develop automotive-grade SoCs. The collaboration will combine Honda’s experience in designing original AI models and developing electronic control units with Mythic’s analog AI computing technologies. By integrating Mythic’s CiM-based capabilities into AI computing functions within the SoC, Honda R&D aims to accelerate development of next-generation processors for Honda software-defined vehicles. This effort is expected to further enhance computing performance and energy efficiency, supporting more advanced automated driving features and scalable SDV architectures in future models.