TOKYO, July 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TIER IV, the pioneering force
behind the worlds' first open-source software for autonomous
driving, has partnered with Nihon Kotsu on a large-scale
data-sharing initiative aimed at scaling AI development. From
July
2024, the companies will jointly collect data from vehicles
equipped with a data recording system (DRS) developed by TIER
IV.
TIER IV spearheaded the Co-MLOps (Cooperative Machine Learning
Operations) data-sharing initiative in 2023, and unveiled a proof
of concept test at CES 2024 that featured data collected in
collaboration with partner companies from eight global regions. The
company has been driving data collection efforts in major areas of
Japan, verifying the performance
of its DRS and other features of the Co-MLOps Platform. With
DRS-equipped vehicles on the road and the basic functionalities for
efficient data collection using active learning frameworks in
place, TIER IV is poised to expand its dataset significantly in
collaboration with Nihon Kotsu.
DRS overview
TIER IV's DRS includes multiple automotive-grade LiDARs,
high-resolution cameras and electronic control units (ECUs),
enabling it to capture comprehensive and precise data on a
vehicle's surroundings and operation. With seamless synchronization
and calibration between sensors and ECUs, the system is equipped
for the high-quality data collection necessary for AI development
for autonomous driving.
Enhance efficiency with Co-MLOps Platform
Data uploaded to the cloud-based Co-MLOps Platform undergoes
quality checks, anonymization for secure sharing, and tagging for
efficient retrieval. Annotations are prioritized based on
assessments from active learning frameworks, focusing on data that
significantly enhances AI performance. This approach accelerates
the MLOps process, fostering efficient AI development for
autonomous driving.
"The data collected through this collaboration will have a wide
range of applications, significantly enhancing the accuracy of
autonomous driving AI while advancing efforts toward the deployment
of robotaxis and the mass production of software-defined vehicles
(SDVs)," said Shinpei Kato, founder,
CEO and CTO of TIER IV. "We will continue to collaborate with
partner companies around the world to conduct ongoing data
collection, accelerating the development of a large-scale shared
data platform."
"We are very honored to be working with TIER IV to build "the
future of mobility"," said Ichiro
Kawanabe, Director of Nihon Kotsu. "Nihon Kotsu will
contribute to improve the safety of automated driving and its
implementation by using our 96 years of operational know-how. And
we are excited to participate in the mission to connect the next
generation and create a legacy of society. All of us expect that
the advancement of automated driving technology will improve hired
cars and cabs, and will realize safer and higher quality
transportation."
Future plans
TIER IV will lead data collection efforts, using Nihon Kotsu
vehicles, primarily in Tokyo
through the end of 2024. The company aims to create an annotated
dataset exceeding 200,000 frames by the end of 2024, building upon
previously collected data. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the
company plans to expand its fleet, aiming to gather a diverse and
comprehensive dataset across various regions to fuel advancements
in autonomous driving technology. TIER IV will also explore
opportunities for mass-producing DRS, adapting it for future data
collection initiatives, and expand its network to cover a wider
range of areas in collaboration with partners.
About TIER IV
TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation,
pioneering Autoware, the world's first open-source software for
autonomous driving, to empower intelligent vehicles worldwide.
Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver
comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle
manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the
Autoware Foundation, our commitment to open-source software enables
individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of
autonomous driving, reshaping the future of intelligent
vehicles.
Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.
About Nihon Kotsu
Company name: Nihon Kotsu Co.,Ltd.
Establishment: April, 1928
President: Yasuharu Wakabayashi
Headquater: 3-12 Kioicho,Kioicho Building, Chiyoda Ward,
Tokyo, Japan
Business description: Taxi & amp; Limousine service
Website: https://www.nihon-kotsu.co.jp/
Media Contact
pr@tier4.jp
Business Inquires
co-mlops@tier4.jp
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SOURCE TIER IV, Inc.