Updates｜TIER IV, Inc.

TIER IV gets funding from DTSU Support Program and Taisei to accelerate the development of software-embedded electrification modules for autonomous driving

Written by TIER IV | 24-Jan-2024 01:00:00

TOKYO, January 24, 2024 – TIER IV, a pioneer in open-source autonomous driving (AD) technology, is proud to announce it has received funding from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)’s Deep Tech Startup (DTSU) Support Program. TIER IV has also raised funding from Taisei Corporation through a third-party allotment of shares. The funds will enable TIER IV to accelerate the development of software-embedded electrification modules for autonomous driving, helping the company lay the foundations for mass production and forge new benchmarks.

 


The DTSU Support Program supports deep-tech startups researching and developing innovative technologies with high risk involved to tackle economic and social issues that need to be addressed by the nation and the world. Such startups require long-term research and development, and large-scale funding to develop, commercialize and implement the technologies.


Independently developed prototypes are the only Level 4*-suitable electrification modules currently available. With electrification methods for each module depending on the vehicle type and rating, efforts are needed to establish the optimal configuration. TIER IV aims to develop four software-embedded electrification modules for autonomous vehicles.


  • Vehicle control unit software (Module 1): Meeting Level 4 requirements, with interfaces to each module – such as electric power steering and electric brake – separated from the control unit, accommodating configurations for multiple vehicle models.
  • Redundant electric power steering (Module 2): Minimizing variation between individual units to facilitate mass production.
  • Redundant electric brake (Module 3): Minimizing variation between individual units to facilitate mass production.
  • Absolute steering angle sensors in electric power steering (Module 4): Minimizing variation between individual units to facilitate mass production.

Examples of AD electrification modules


TIER IV aims to leverage its research and development achievements to establish global benchmarks, following the release of guidelines for customizing Level 4 commercial autonomous vehicles in June 2023.


*Level 4 is fully autonomous driving where the system performs all driving tasks under specified conditions.


About TIER IV

TIER IV, the pioneering force behind the first open-source autonomous driving software Autoware, offers a range of advanced AD products and solutions, encompassing both software and hardware across multiple platforms. The company is steering the development of safe and efficient autonomous driving technology, aiming to reimagine intelligent vehicles through the art of open source. A founding member of the Autoware Foundation, TIER IV conducts cutting-edge research and development in collaboration with partners worldwide, harnessing Autoware to accelerate the rollout of autonomous vehicles that will benefit society as a whole.

Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.


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