TIER IV collaborates with Renesas to build an open AI-native computing platform for SDVs: Integrating R-Car Gen 5 automotive SoCs with Autoware and reference AI models
TOKYO, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TIER IV, the pioneering force behind open-source software for autonomous driving, is collaborating with Renesas Electronics Corporation to build an open AI-native computing platform for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The collaboration combines TIER IV's autonomous driving software technologies such as its reference AI models as well as Autoware, the world's leading open-source software for autonomous driving, with Renesas' next-generation R-Car automotive system-on-chips (SoCs) to deliver scalable solutions spanning Level 2+/2++ advanced driver assistance through Level 4 autonomous driving. Together, this collaboration aims to establish an open hardware and software platform that enables the continuous evolution of AI-powered vehicles.
Background
The automotive industry is entering the era of SDVs, where vehicle capabilities are increasingly determined by software, AI and high-performance computing rather than fixed-function hardware alone. At the same time, end-to-end (E2E) AI models are emerging as a new foundation for autonomous driving, while automotive computing platforms are evolving rapidly to support increasingly demanding AI workloads. Delivering production-ready autonomous driving therefore requires close integration between AI software, system software and automotive processors.
As the key developer of Autoware, TIER IV initiated the collaboration with Renesas to further expand the open ecosystem and advance safer, more intelligent and continuously evolving mobility.
Scope of the collaboration
1. Establishing an open reference platform
TIER IV will adopt Renesas' R-Car Gen 5 as one of the primary reference computing platforms for Autoware and future AI-native autonomous driving technologies.
The two companies will jointly optimize and promote this integrated hardware and software platform for automakers and Tier 1 suppliers worldwide, enabling faster development and deployment of SDVs.
2. Optimizing Autoware and reference AI models on R-Car Gen 5
TIER IV will port and optimize Autoware on Renesas' R-Car Gen 5 automotive SoCs. Building on this software foundation, TIER IV also plans to deploy its reference AI models – E2E autonomous driving AI models – on R-Car Gen 5.
By combining conventional autonomous driving software with AI-native driving models on a common computing platform, the joint development aims to deliver highly scalable autonomous driving solutions covering both today's production advanced driver-assistance systems and future Level 4 autonomous driving systems.
3. Exploring next-generation AI computing technologies
Looking beyond current-generation automotive SoCs, TIER IV is developing AI accelerators optimized for transformer-based autonomous driving AI as well as next-generation sensing technologies including LiDAR and 4D radar.
Initial demonstration
TIER IV plans to demonstrate Autoware and its reference AI models running on Renesas' R-Car X5H at Automotive World 2026, which is taking place September 9-11 at Makuhari Messe in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The demonstration will showcase the integration of open autonomous driving software, AI-native driving models and automotive-grade computing on a unified platform.
Supporting quotes
"SDVs require more than just powerful AI models," said Shinpei Kato, founder and CEO of TIER IV. "They also require computing platforms that allow those models to run efficiently, safely and at scale in production vehicles. We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Renesas to build an open AI-native computing platform by combining Autoware, our reference AI models and Renesas' next-generation R-Car automotive SoCs. We will continue expanding the open-source ecosystem centered on Autoware while accelerating the deployment of scalable autonomous driving solutions from Level 2+/2++ to Level 4."
"We are delighted to evolve the relationship with TIER IV into a full business collaboration," said Aish Dubey, VP and Head of SoC Division of Renesas Electronics Corporation. "R-Car Gen 5 represents our vision for a new generation of automotive computing, where software, AI and vehicle intelligence must work together on a common platform. With our collaboration with TIER IV, we are helping bring that vision to life."
About TIER IV
TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, open-source software for autonomous driving. With a comprehensive suite of platforms and services built around Autoware, TIER IV provides everything from software development and vehicle procurement to operational support. Through the Autoware ecosystem, TIER IV works with partners worldwide to shape the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, aiming to create mobility that is safer, more sustainable, and accessible to all.
The word marks and logos of TIER IV are trademarks or registered trademarks of TIER IV, Inc. in Japan and other countries. All other company names, product names, service names, and logos referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.
SOURCE TIER IV, Inc.
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