Dutch mapping and navigation group, TomTom, is partnering with Nvidia, one of the leaders in the development of computing systems for self-driving vehicles, to develop artificial intelligence to create a cloud-to-car mapping system for self-driving cars.
The new partnership’s work combines TomTom’s extensive high definition (HD) map coverage, which already spans more than 128,129 miles (206,203km) of highways and freeways, with the Nvidia Drive PX 2 computing platform. Together, the system accelerates support for real-time in-vehicle localization and mapping for driving on the highway. The Nvidia DriveWorks software development kit (SDK) now integrates support for TomTom’s HD mapping environment, with the open system available for all auto makers and Tier 1 suppliers that are developing autonomous vehicles. The DriveWorks software provides object detection, free space calculation, map localization and path planning.
“This collaboration is an important step for us,” said Willem Strijbosch, head of autonomous driving at TomTom. “Combining our highly accurate HD maps with Nvidia’s self-driving car platform will enable us to propose new features to auto makers faster, and therefore to make autonomous driving a commercial reality sooner.”
Rob Csongor, vice president and general manager of automotive at Nvidia, commented, “Self-driving cars require a highly accurate HD mapping system that can generate an always up-to-date HD map in the cloud. Drive PX 2 for AutoCruise provides TomTom with a real-time, in-vehicle source for HD map updates.”
TomTom has just announced the coverage expansion of its HD Map and RoadDNA products to France, covering nearly 20,505 miles (33,000km) of freeways across the country, and is also extending its coverage in the USA to include 13 additional states. This product launch brings HD Map and RoadDNA coverage to a total of 128,129 miles (206,203km) globally, including: autobahn network in Germany 17,170 miles (27,631km); interstates in 30 US states 65,051 miles (104,690km); and interstates plus highways in three US states 25,430 miles (40,926km). Launched commercially in 2015, TomTom’s HD Map and RoadDNA are two revolutionary, highly accurate digital map products helping automated vehicles precisely locate themselves on the road and plan maneuvers, even when traveling at high speeds.
“The initial launch of our HD Map, including RoadDNA, was almost exactly one year ago today, with complete coverage for the autobahn network in Germany,” noted Strijbosch. “Over the past year, we have grown our HD Map coverage by 650%, proving both the scalability of our production process, as well as our commitment to helping the automotive industry accelerate the development of autonomous vehicles.”
