Car makers are recognizing the need for AI methods that consume less energy, which is one reason why neuromorphic computing can be beneficial, said Tim Shea, technology researcher at Accenture Labs. "They're already running up against limitations of [current chips] not being scalable enough," he said. German auto maker Mercedes-Benz AG announced last week it had joined the Intel Neuromorphic Research Community to explore how neuromorphic chips could help increase energy efficiency, speed and accuracy for vehicle-related AI uses. "With the knowledge we'll gain, we want to achieve a significant boost for our AI applications in and around our vehicles," said Jasmin Eichler, director of future technologies at Mercedes-Benz, in a statement. Intel's neuromorphic chips could begin selling commercially within five years, according to Mike Davies, director of Intel's Neuromorphic Computing Lab.