TIER IV & Axell: Energy-Efficient Autoware Prototypes

TIER IV, a pioneering force in open-source autonomous driving technology, has partnered successfully with Japan's Axell Corporation, a computer hardware company, to collaboratively research and develop a novel application-specific system-on-chip (SoC) and software platform for autonomous vehicles. This joint venture has been fueled by funding from the "Innovative AI Chip and Next-Generation Computing Technology Development" initiative by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

The newly created SoC has been meticulously tailored to seamlessly integrate with Autoware, a highly acclaimed open-source autonomous driving software championed by TIER IV. Designed to execute a diverse array of autonomous driving algorithms with exceptional efficiency, this SoC forms the foundation for a comprehensive Robo-Taxi system with an estimated power consumption of under 150W, aided by cutting-edge semiconductor processes. The hardware also incorporates accelerators engineered to proficiently manage the processing of high-load sensor data, resulting in a nearly tenfold decrease in power usage compared to existing setups. Additionally, a dedicated real-time operating system (RTOS) harmonizes with many-core processors, ensuring smooth execution of control system processing and minimizing fluctuations in execution time. Primarily focused on AI edge computing, this SoC seeks to deliver more efficient and dependable autonomous driving functions.

The research and findings presented here stem from project JPNP16007, sponsored by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). All mentioned company and product names belong to their respective owners.

TIER IV, known for creating Autoware, the world's first open-source autonomous driving software, leads the charge in AD technology research and development. The company delivers cutting-edge software and hardware solutions across multiple platforms, fostering the secure and efficient advancement of autonomous driving. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, TIER IV harnesses Autoware's capabilities and collaborates globally to expand the potential of AD technology, involving individuals, organizations, and stakeholders in their quest to create a better society.

Axell, an advanced technology enterprise, boasts an integrated structure encompassing algorithm development, R&D, and software/hardware products. The company's mission is to shape the future of business transformation through their state-of-the-art technologies, including LSI R&D, AI/machine learning, cryptography, and blockchain.