Tier IV and Astemo Join Forces to Develop Advanced Self-Driving Platforms

Collaboration for Next-Gen Autonomous Driving

Introduction
In the realm of autonomous driving, advancements in generative AI and foundational models have led to significant breakthroughs. Tier IV, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is on a mission to democratize self-driving technology. Recently, they announced a partnership with Astemo, a company headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, to create a next-generation software development platform for autonomous driving systems. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines a collaborative effort aimed at continuous development and enhancement of End-to-End (E2E) autonomous driving AI models, targeting mass production and practical utilization by 2030.

The Vision Behind the Collaboration

The self-driving sector has rapidly evolved, with E2E AI models recognized as pivotal technologies for driving assistance and autonomous systems. Tier IV champions the concept of "Level 4+" automation, progressively expanding the applicability of fully autonomous driving across diverse and complex driving environments. To achieve this, there is a pressing need for a robust AI development infrastructure capable of integrating data collection, processing, learning, and evaluation, ensuring the quality and safety compliance required for mass-produced vehicles.

Tier IV and Astemo leverage their prior collaborations, especially through efforts like The Autoware Foundation (AWF) and SOAFEE, to create a reference implementation of the Open AD Kit on the open-source software, Autoware. Astemo is also involved in Tier IV’s Co-MLOps project, enhancing their combined data-sharing platform for autonomous AI development.

Initiatives Under the Joint Development Agreement

The MoU outlines two main initiatives:
1. Building the Next-Gen Development Platform
Tier IV will provide Astemo with licensing for the Co-MLOps architecture and related technologies. Together, they will create a comprehensive AI development platform that allows for the collection, processing, integration, and ongoing enhancement of AI models—paving the way for E2E AI technologies to meet the stringent quality and safety standards of mass-produced vehicles.

2. Developing E2E Autonomous Driving AI Models
As part of the initiative, both companies will share knowledge and technological assets to collaboratively refine the requirements necessary for E2E autonomous driving AI models. This effort is aimed at establishing a long-term roadmap for the continued enhancement and eventual implementation of Level 4+ E2E autonomous driving AI models into personal vehicles by the early 2030s.

Comments from Leadership

Shinpei Kato, CEO of Tier IV, emphasized the necessity for a dual approach that combines the realization of mass production quality with the evolution of the AI development infrastructure. He expressed excitement about working with Astemo, a global mega-supplier, to expand the open-source ecosystem surrounding Autoware, facilitating the ongoing evolution of E2E models and robustly advancing the practical implementation of autonomous driving technology.

Yutaka Tamagawa, Executive VP and CTO of Astemo, shared his insights on the competitive advantage stemming from data-centered AI development frameworks. He highlighted that this partnership would not only strengthen Astemo's Internet of Vehicles Platform but would also pave the way for innovations not only in the automotive sector but across various mobility domains.

About Tier IV

Founded in December 2015, Tier IV is a deep-tech enterprise focused on the democratization of autonomous driving, spearheading the development of the open-source software Autoware. The company aims to broaden the possibilities of autonomous driving, responding to market needs with various services based on their software platforms. By fostering partnerships globally, Tier IV seeks to contribute to the creation of a safer and more sustainable society through the ecosystem generated by Autoware.

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Company Information

- Name: Tier IV, Inc.
- Location: Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
- Website: Tier IV
- Date Established: December 2015
- Main Business: Development of autonomous driving platforms, web services, sales of development kits, and educational services related to autonomous technology.