Axera Showcases Intelligent Driving and Edge AI Chips at Auto China 2026

At the Auto China 2026 exhibition, Axera Semiconductor Co., Ltd. presented its latest developments in automotive intelligent driving and edge AI computing under the theme “When Chips Shine.” The company demonstrated a broad portfolio of automotive intelligent chips designed for multiple levels of combined driver assistance systems, including Level 2, Level 2+, and ADAS applications. Products displayed during the event included Intelligent Front Cameras (IFCs), Autonomous Driving Domain Controllers (ADDCs), and Driver Monitoring System (DMS) solutions, highlighting the company’s expanding role in intelligent mobility technologies.

Axera Expands Intelligent Driving Portfolio with M57 and M76 Chips

The M57 chip was introduced as a high-energy-efficiency intelligent driving solution targeting the Level 2 ADAS market. Delivering 10TOPS of computing performance while operating below 3W power consumption, the chip addresses heat dissipation challenges commonly associated with windshield-mounted intelligent front cameras under high-temperature conditions. This low-power architecture enhances both system reliability and hardware lifespan. The M57 supports mainstream Level 2 functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Control (LCC), while also integrating Driver Monitoring System capabilities for broader functional consolidation within automotive platforms.

According to the company, the M57 has been designed to align with safety regulations in China, enabling automakers to deploy integrated driving and parking solutions with reduced system costs. The chip is intended to help vehicle manufacturers simplify hardware architecture while improving scalability for future intelligent driving upgrades. Its compact and energy-efficient configuration positions it as a suitable option for next-generation ADAS platforms focused on affordability and thermal efficiency.

M76 Targets Highway Navigate on Autopilot Applications

The M76 chip was showcased as a mid-range intelligent driving processor developed primarily for Highway Navigate on Autopilot (HNOA) scenarios. Featuring 60TOPS computing capability, the chip supports advanced perception processing and driving decision-making functions required for more sophisticated autonomous driving systems. To accelerate commercialization and customer integration, Axera developed a dedicated demo board ecosystem equipped with multiple external interfaces, including network ports, USB connectivity, and SD card support, enabling software development activities before proprietary hardware platforms become available.

The M76 can be deployed not only in standard intelligent front camera systems but also in compact domain controllers installed in locations such as vehicle consoles, where thermal management can be improved. This flexibility supports broader deployment possibilities across intelligent driving architectures. The chip is positioned to address growing industry demand for scalable computing platforms capable of supporting advanced ADAS and partial autonomous driving functionalities in mass-production vehicles.

Production Vehicle Deployment of M55 Chip

The M55 assisted driving chip was also featured during the exhibition as a solution focused on low cost, reduced latency, and high computing performance. Axera confirmed that the processor has already entered production deployment in several vehicle models, including the Leapmotor Lafa 5 and Geely Galaxy E5 displayed at the company’s booth. The commercial deployment of the M55 highlights the company’s progress in scaling intelligent driving semiconductor solutions for volume automotive production programs.

Axera Highlights Privacy-Focused DMS Technology

The company also showcased its Driver Monitoring System solution designed to monitor driver conditions such as distraction, fatigue, smoking, and mobile phone usage in real time. The system uses in-vehicle cameras and integrated chips to analyze driver behaviors, including blinking frequency and eye movement angles, allowing the platform to identify signs of fatigue or distraction and generate timely warnings to improve vehicle safety. The DMS solution emphasizes data privacy by processing all information directly within the vehicle instead of uploading data to cloud servers.

This vehicle-side data processing approach aligns with stringent data protection requirements in the EU and prevents facial data collection or long-term storage. Through collaboration with Emotion3D, Axera integrated advanced algorithms into the DMS platform to improve adaptability across varying driving environments and usage scenarios. The joint solution combines Emotion3D’s algorithm expertise with Axera’s intelligent automotive chips to deliver a privacy-focused driver monitoring platform for modern vehicles.

Axera-Powered Vehicle Installations Surpass One Million Units

Alongside product demonstrations, the company displayed exhibition boards featuring automakers and leading suppliers collaborating with Axera across intelligent mobility programs. According to the company, the cumulative number of vehicles equipped with Axera-powered solutions exceeded 1 million units by the end of 2025. This milestone reflects growing industry adoption of the company’s intelligent driving and edge AI semiconductor technologies as demand for advanced driver assistance and in-vehicle AI computing continues to expand globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What intelligent driving chips did Axera showcase at Auto China 2026?
Axera showcased the M57, M76, and M55 intelligent driving chips at Auto China 2026 for Level 2 and Level 2+ ADAS applications. The M57 focuses on energy efficiency and low power consumption, while the M76 delivers 60TOPS computing capability for Highway Navigate on Autopilot scenarios. The M55 is already deployed in production vehicle models. These chips support applications such as intelligent front cameras, autonomous driving domain controllers, and driver monitoring systems across modern passenger vehicles.

How does Axera’s DMS solution protect driver privacy?
Axera’s Driver Monitoring System processes all driver data directly inside the vehicle without sending information to cloud servers. The system analyzes behaviors such as blinking frequency, eye movement, distraction, and fatigue while immediately deleting processed data to prevent facial information storage. This approach aligns with strict EU data protection regulations and strengthens user privacy. Through collaboration with Emotion3D, the solution also incorporates advanced algorithms that improve adaptability and monitoring accuracy across different driving conditions and scenarios.