Autoware has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a university lab, developing into a comprehensive software stack for autonomous driving with contributors worldwide. To mark the 10th anniversary of Autoware, here are 10 things you might not know about the open-source project.
1. It all started with a university research project
Autoware was released as open-source software on August 25, 2015, by TIER IV founder and CEO Shinpei Kato while he was an associate professor at Nagoya University. What began as a research initiative has evolved into a global hub for innovation in autonomous driving.
2. The open-source community drives innovation
Autoware is used in over 20 countries and has been deployed in over 30 vehicle models. The open-source software has seen widespread international adoption, with companies and researchers utilizing it to evaluate new concepts, prototype ideas and accelerate development.
3. The Autoware Foundation oversees the project
Formed in 2018 as a non-profit organization, the Autoware Foundation (AWF) oversees the development of Autoware, ensuring no single entity has full control over it. With more than 100 member organizations, the foundation cultivates an ecosystem that encourages contributions from a broad range of stakeholders.
4. Autoware is not just for cars
From passenger vehicles and trucks to delivery robots and taxis, Autoware's versatile software stack supports various autonomous driving applications. Solutions like the autonomous logistics carts developed by eve autonomy – a joint venture between TIER IV and Yamaha Motor – demonstrate how Autoware can be adapted for use in closed environments such as factories, airports, and warehouses.
5. The project has earned more than 10,000 stars on GitHub
Autoware recently surpassed 10,000 stars on GitHub – a milestone that reflects the strength of its developer community. Behind each star is a contributor, researcher, or engineer who has helped shape the platform by reporting issues, proposing enhancements, or sharing their own implementations.
6. Collaboration thrives on- and off-line
Developers and enthusiasts can contribute to the project, participate in discussions, and access detailed documentation and resources on GitHub. Meanwhile, in-person meetups – like the upcoming AutowareCon on September 10 – offer opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and hands-on collaboration.
7. Anyone can take a virtual test drive
Autoware is accessible to everyone, not just OEMs or large tech firms. Open-source simulation environments like AWSIM allow users to test autonomous driving scenarios on a standard PC. Whether you're a student, startup, or hobbyist, you can experiment, evaluate, and iterate without the need for physical vehicles.
8. The project is helping shape global standards
The expanding rollout of autonomous driving systems has put standardization in focus. Through the Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge (SOAFEE) initiative, Autoware is contributing to international efforts to promote interoperability, safety, and shared architecture across the industry.
9. It’s even powering racecars on the track
Competitions like the Japan Automotive AI Challenge demonstrate Autoware’s performance in real-time racing scenarios with go-karts. At the other end of the spectrum, Autoware has powered racecars in the Indy Autonomous Challenge – an international contest where university teams push the boundaries of autonomous speed and precision.
10. The next decade of autonomous driving will be built around Autoware
Autoware is already enabling the next wave of innovation in autonomy. Ongoing work includes support for off-road and space use cases, end-to-end driving models, and an AI-first approach across the autonomy stack.
Want to learn more? Check out Autoware on GitHub to join the global community of contributors advancing the project.
TIER IV is always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our journey. If you share our vision of making autonomous driving accessible to all, get in touch.
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