Texas based National Instruments and Konrad Technologies have agreed to jointly develop test systems for autonomous driving software and hardware.

The two companies will develop technologies to join real-world road data with simulation technologies to improve development efforts for autonomous driving. The two companies are targeting automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEMS.

The test systems will include validation software for machine learning, LiDAR and imaging radar.

The new systems will combine NI’s software-connected test solutions with KT system integration capabilities.

Initial solutions will focus on high bandwidth data recording and hardware-in-the-loop test systems for testing ADAS and AD software algorithms.

Ultimately, test solutions will scale across fleet management, data utilisation and sensor testing.

“AVs are among the most complex systems being tested today, and no one company can tackle the challenge of getting these vehicles to market alone,” said Chad Chesney, general manager of NI’s Transportation business unit. “Our strategic agreement and a seat on the KT board will deepen our long-standing partnership with KT and give customers the system-level capabilities they need to quickly and efficiently test the complex embedded software found within today’s AVs —helping them ensure that test is not a bottleneck but a competitive advantage on the road to autonomy.”

“Connecting NI’s open instrumentation to our system integration expertise will allow us to build turnkey solutions that help customers shorten their time to market,” said Michael Konrad, CEO of Konrad Technologies. “This partnership with NI is expected to provide a consistent tool chain that will help customers rectify multiple challenges efficiently in all stages of the ADAS and AD system product cycle.”