Swedish auto tech company Veoneer and Qualcomm are collaborating to develop new ADAS and autonomous driving systems. The new systems will be powered by Veoneer’s perception and driving policy software and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride ADAS/AD SoC and accelerators. The intention is to create systems that range up to Level 4 as an open platform for Tier-1 suppliers and car makers.

The new systems are designed to address the growing complexities associated with developing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including safety compliance. The integrated software and SoC platform aims to provide automotive manufacturers with advanced and power-efficient compute, connectivity and cloud service capabilities across all vehicle tiers.

The platform will integrate Veoneer’s fifth generation perception software and driving policy software with the current and future Snapdragon Ride portfolio.

Qualcomm Technologies intends to make this integrated SoC and software stack platform available to global automakers and Tier-1 suppliers.

Veoneer will serve as a Tier-1 system integrator for the new solution, while continuing its current strategies, which include developing, selling and launching its full line of ADAS and Collaborative Driving products and systems.

The open and programmable platform that both companies intend to develop will be designed to create alternatives for automakers and Tier-1s for more customisation opportunities while also charting a course for new automotive architecture evolution. The companies expect the integrated platform to be available through automotive Tier-1 suppliers or directly to OEMs for 2024 vehicle production.

Veoneer’s software stacks are automotive grade solutions designed to meet the requirements of automakers, regulators and rating agencies globally. It has enabled automakers to achieve 5-star safety ratings for European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) in 2018 and 2020.

The companies plan to launch an automotive grade, functional safety compliant and optimised platform which will include a full range of optimised NCAP features and up to hands-free driving on highways and slow-moving traffic. The platform will be continuously upgradeable through over the air updates.

The software stack will be developed in a dedicated organisation within Veoneer.

Snapdragon Ride is designed based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon family of automotive system-on-chip (SoC) and accelerator products.

The integrated platform with Veoneer’s software stack will be built on the scalable Snapdragon Ride roadmap, offering industry leading scalability from L1 ADAS to L4 Autonomous Driving SoC and Accelerator products that leverage Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership in heterogeneous compute, leading process technology, low power and higher performance automotive semiconductors.

The parties have signed a non-binding letter of intent and expect to finalise a definitive agreement during second half of 2020.

“We are pleased to work with Qualcomm Technologies to develop next generation solutions for ADAS and collaborative and autonomous driving. Working with a recognised leader like Qualcomm Technologies, using their ground-breaking Snapdragon Ride products, provides us the remaining piece of the puzzle. This relationship not only strengthens our product portfolio, but also broadens our go-to-market position and opportunities, while giving customers more ways to access world-leading technology,” said Jan Carlson, Chairman, President & CEO, Veoneer.

“There has been a growing desire within the automotive ecosystem to have a full SoC and Stack solution that can scale from the entry tier of active safety systems to higher-end automated driving solutions. Combining our best-in-class product roadmap of integrated automotive platforms, which supports broader functionalities like 5G/4G, telematics and infotainment, with Veoneer’s proven software stack for perception and driving, creates a unique offering to support this need. Qualcomm Technologies remains committed to offering high performance and advanced automotive solutions for all vehicle tiers and levels and we look forward to working with an industry pioneer like Veoneer to accelerate innovation to deliver comprehensive systems,” said Cristiano Amon, President of Qualcomm Incorporated.