Joint venture helps to accelerate AV software deployment

The eSync Alliance and the Autoware Foundation have formed a joint work group to explore how over-the-air (OTA) updates and data gathering can be optimally integrated into the software stack for the next generation of autonomous vehicles, based on eSync’s secure, bi-directional data pipeline. Autoware is "all-in-one" open-source software for autonomous vehicles.

"OTA updates and data gathering can accelerate autonomous vehicle software stack development, creating highly efficient learning loops, that enable rapid incorporation of real-time vehicle data for the improvement of in-car software," said Mike Gardner, Executive Director at the eSync Alliance. "The integration of a standardised OTA platform such as eSync, into Autoware’s open-source autonomous vehicle software provides significant benefits to developers and end customers alike."

"Autoware’s open-source software is becoming a key building block in the development of autonomous driving. It is amazing how well the objectives and structure of the eSync Alliance align with what the Autoware Foundation brings to the table," said Shinpei Kato, Chairman, Board of Directors of the Autoware Foundation. "We believe that this fits well with our recent announcement of the Autoware Open AD Kit. Disciplined standardisation across the software stack enables autonomous vehicle developers to quickly and efficiently build on the accumulated body of knowledge of the entire sector. "

The Autoware Foundation is a non-profit organisation, which supports open-source projects in the area of self-driving mobility. The foundation works to build bridges between corporate R&D and academic research; creating powerful synergy in the development of viable autonomous driving technology.

The eSync software platform provides a secure, bi-directional data path between the cloud and any number of electronic end devices inside a vehicle. It can work across multiple operating systems and networks/busses to reach any ECU or smart sensor in the car, to provide both OTA software updates, and to handle data gathering. Using eSync creates new opportunities for automakers and Tier-1 suppliers to improve their products and provide added value to their customers.

The eSync Alliance is a global initiative, including major automotive suppliers such as AlpsAlpine, Aptiv, Faurecia, Hella, Molex and ZF. Alliance members benefit from a simplified development environment, enabled by the standardisation of architecture, functional behaviors and APIs. This makes deployment quicker and simpler, and provides end-to-end security for automotive OEMs and suppliers.