Honda enters into a prolonged cooperation with Helm.ai, focusing on advanced autonomous driving technology.

Honda Motor Co. has entered into a multi-year development agreement with AI software startup Helm.ai, marking another significant step in the automotive industry's ongoing integration of advanced technology. This partnership mirrors other recent collaborations between legacy automakers and startups with specialized expertise in software, AI, and related fields.

The collaboration aims to add Helm.ai's self-driving platform to future mass-market vehicles. Honda plans to begin mass production of the system after 2027.

Helm.ai's technology stack includes Hemi.ai Vision, Helm.ai Driver, and four simulation model platforms for training autonomous driving systems. Hemi.ai Vision is a production-grade, scalable perception system for OEMs that supports SAE Level 2+ and Level 3 autonomous driving. Helm.ai Driver is a deep neural network-based path prediction model used for decision making and navigation, relying on computer vision and end-to-end AI learning.

Honda's Navigate on Autopilot system, initially designed as a SAE Level 2 driver assist system, is being developed with Helm.ai to support Level 3 automated driving. The collaboration will focus on the development of new AI-powered advanced driver assist systems and Honda's "Navigate on Autopilot" self-driving platform.

Vladislav Voroninski, CEO and founder of Helm.ai, expressed excitement about the next phase of production development with Honda. He stated that their collaboration is advancing the development of AI technologies that enhance the real-world applicability of autonomous driving systems.

Mahito Shikama, VP of Honda's Software Defined Vehicle Business Supervisory Unit, also expressed enthusiasm, stating that the joint development supports Honda's goal of realizing safe and affordable automated driving technologies for global customers.

The partnership between Honda and Helm.ai is not a new development. They have collaborated since 2019 via the Honda Xcelerator program. In December 2021, Honda invested in Helm.ai to further boost its competitiveness in AI and computer vision software.

This move is part of a larger trend in the automotive industry, as more OEMs pivot towards a software-first approach to building vehicles. This includes integrating AI-powered software into their model lineups.

In other related news, Toyota announced a collaboration with Waymo in May to co-develop an entire autonomous vehicle platform and explore ways to integrate Waymo's technology into future vehicles. Similarly, in March, General Motors expanded its partnership with Nvidia to deploy AI in next-generation vehicles.

Recently, Honda opened its new "Honda Software Studio Osaka" in Japan, bringing together software teams working on technologies such as automated driving and advanced driver assistance systems. This move underscores Honda's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the automotive industry.

Honda enters into a prolonged cooperation with Helm.ai, focusing on advanced autonomous driving technology.