The software functions will be jointly developed based on the current BMW automated driving software stack, which was launched with the BMW iX in 2021
Qualcomm, BMW Group, and Arriver join forces to build next-generation AD technologies. (Credit: BMW Group)
Qualcomm Technologies has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with BMW Group and Arriver Software for developing automated driving (AD) technologies.
The parties will focus on jointly developing next-generation AD technologies ranging from new car assessment programme (NCAP), level 2 advanced driving assistance systems to level 3 high automated driving functionalities.
According to Qualcomm, the software functions will be co-developed based on the current BMW automated driving software stack, which was launched with the BMW iX last year.
The partnership between the three firms will further extend the automated driving software stack to the next generation.
Last November, the firms announced that the next generation automated driving system of BMW will be ported on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride Vision system-on-chip (SoC).
The Qualcomm SoC includes Arriver Computer Vision and the compute SoC controllers of the Snapdragon Ride Platform, which are managed by Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Services platform.
The partnership will aim to build a scalable platform for automated driving on the basis of a common reference architecture, sensor-set specifications, and safety needs with joint development, toolchain, as well as a data centre for the purpose of storing, reprocessing, and simulation.
Qualcomm senior vice president and automotive general manager Nakul Duggal said: “Building on already commercialised stack components from BMW Group and Arriver, this cooperation will position us to extend BMW Automated Drive software to the Snapdragon Ride platform, and expand the accessibility of safer self-driving technologies to other automakers and Tier-1s in an open, flexible and scalable deployment framework.”
Qualcomm, BMW Group, and Arriver are said to be closely working to set up and continuously build an ecosystem for automated driving solutions.
Arriver Software president and managing director Giuseppe Rosso said: “We are pleased that Arriver’s Vision Perception and market proven NCAP features will be combined with the BMW Automated Driving software stack.
“Joining forces with Qualcomm Technologies and BMW Group Arriver’s team will co-develop the next generation of open and scalable Drive Policy with world-class feature solutions and performance. This co-developed product will be offered to our customers globally.
“This cooperation is a key milestone for Arriver and a proof point of the rich competence of our teams through years of experience in ADAS & safety.”
Arriver Software is a software unit within Veoneer, which is being acquired by Qualcomm for $4.5bn as per a deal signed in October 2021. It is engaged in developing perception, fusion, and drive policy software aimed to be deployed in the next generation cars.