Technology company Nvidia today announced a new supercomputer powered by artificial intelligence and designed to enable a car to drive autonomously. Called the Nvidia Drive PX 2, the supercomputer is the size of a lunchbox and has processing power equivalent to that of "100 MacBook Pros." Speaking at the Nvidia press conference in the lead up to CES, CEO Jen-Hsun Huang described the Drive PX 2 as the "world's first supercomputer for self-driving cars."

The Drive PX 2 is powered by Nvidia GPUs and has 360-degree situational awareness around the car. It is capable of processing the inputs of 12 video cameras, as well as lidar, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. The unit features water-cooling, to enable operation in severe conditions.

The software which facilitates the processing is called Nvidia DriveWorks, which features a suite of software tools that focus on the testing and development of autonomous vehicles.

Nvidia also announced that Volvo would be the first car company to deploy "several hundred cars" with Drive PX 2 to "start developing their self-driving capabilities." Huang further stated that he hoped Volvo would be the first of several other car companies to partner with Nvidia.

The Drive PX 2 development engine will be "generally available" in the fourth quarter of 2016. Early access development partners will be able to get their hands on it in the second quarter of 2016.

Earlier today Nvidia unveiled a program that would help users identify if their PC is ready for virtual reality. Called GeForce GTX VR Ready, the program helps to minimize confusion surrounding parts and applications required for VR gaming.

CES runs from January 6-9 in Las Vegas. GameSpot will have a team on the show floor, so be sure to stay tuned to the site for more big announcements as they roll out.