Sat nav pioneer TomTom snapped up a Berlin-based autonomous driving startup
TomTom
The startup, called Autonomous, has developed its own self-driving software, as well as 3D sensor technology and digital image processing technology, TomTom said.
Autonomous was founded in 2012 by two academics who had worked on autonomous driving research projects at the Free University of Berlin.
TomTom said the acquisition will help it to improve its map-based products for autonomous driving applications.
"This is an important development for TomTom as it will help us to continue to strengthen our capabilities for the future of driving and expand our knowledge and expertise," said Harold Goddijn, CEO and cofounder of TomTom, in a statement. "With this deal we are further positioning ourselves as one of the leaders in autonomous driving.
"TomTom's technology combined with our intelligent driving know-how are a perfect match to make the dream of self-driving cars become a reality."
Berlin is fast emerging as a centre for the development of software that can be used by the automotive industry.
Here, a mapping company owned by Audi, BMW, and Daimler, employs over 970 people in the city, while Apple, the world's largest technology company, has quietly set up a Berlin mapping team, according to LinkedIn and Business Insider sources. The Apple Maps team in Berlin largely comprises of people that used to work for Here.
- I spent 2 weeks in India. A highlight was visiting a small mountain town so beautiful it didn't seem real.
- I quit McKinsey after 1.5 years. I was making over $200k but my mental health was shattered.
- Some Tesla factory workers realized they were laid off when security scanned their badges and sent them back on shuttles, sources say
- World Liver Day 2024: 10 Foods that are necessary for a healthy liver
- Essential tips for effortlessly renewing your bike insurance policy in 2024
- Indian Railways to break record with 9,111 trips to meet travel demand this summer, nearly 3,000 more than in 2023
- India's exports to China, UAE, Russia, Singapore rose in 2023-24
- A case for investing in Government securities