NXP launches Automated Drive Kit to facilitate open, fast and flexible application development

     NXP Semiconductors announced the introduction of NXP Automated Drive Kit, a software-powered development and testing platform for autonomous vehicle applications. The suite enables automakers and suppliers to rapidly develop, test and deploy autonomous driving algorithms and applications on an open and flexible platform with an ever-expanding ecosystem of partners.

     Developing autonomous driving applications requires easy access to multiple hardware and software options. NXP opens the door for hardware and software partners to work together to create flexible development platforms to meet the needs of different developers. The NXP Automated Drive Kit provides Level 3 development benchmarks, which will be expanded to other levels of autonomous driving as ecosystem performance improves.

     The first version of the Automated Drive Kit will include a forward vision system based on the NXP S32V234 processor, which can be used to deploy customers' preferred algorithms. The suite also includes a front-view camera application software API, as well as an object detection algorithm provided by Neusoft Group, a leading IT solutions and services provider in China and an ADAS and AD strategic partner of NXP. In addition, the kit comes with precision radar options and GPS positioning technology. Customers can choose from different LiDAR options and add the LiDAR Object Handling (LOP) module software from AutonomouStuff, which provides ground subdivision and object tracking capabilities.

     Kamal Khouri, general manager and vice president of NXP Semiconductors' ADAS product line, said: "The next wave of autonomous driving development requires automated application development platforms that are fast to implement, yet open and flexible. "By partnering with AutonomouStuff, our NXP Automated Drive Kit addresses a broad and growing ecosystem that will drive the rapid development of future autonomous driving systems."

     Bobby Hambrick, CEO of AutonomouStuff, said: "By partnering with NXP, we are taking a big step forward in shaping the transportation industry of the future. "Our integrated hardware and software solutions, combined with a globally deployed infrastructure, provide the automotive industry with a simple and very cost-effective way to build complex and comprehensive autonomous driving capabilities."