BMW Group has announced Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider for the development of its next-generation advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). This partnership aims to usher in a new era of highly automated driving, set to revolutionize the automotive industry.
The Shift Towards Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
ADAS has become increasingly crucial in enhancing road safety and driver comfort. These systems utilize cutting-edge software and onboard sensors to provide early warnings, automated braking, and steering functions, ultimately improving a vehicle’s performance on the road. BMW Group’s decision to develop its next-gen ADAS on AWS signifies a strategic shift toward rapid adaptation and customer-centric innovations.
BMW’s Collaboration with AWS and Qualcomm Technologies
BMW Group has also teamed up with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., to co-develop advanced automated driving systems based on the Snapdragon Ride Platform. This partnership enables the integration of a 360-degree perception system for vehicles, enhancing their ability to navigate and respond effectively. With AWS and Qualcomm Technologies on board, BMW engineers gain access to top-notch hardware, vision software, and cloud capabilities, thereby fostering global collaboration and speeding up automated driving innovation.
Cloud-Powered Innovation
Utilizing AWS’s cloud infrastructure, BMW Group aims to scale its capacity to manage the ever-increasing volume of data generated during the development of automated driving features. As BMW introduces higher-level automated driving functions like adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, and piloted driving, the amount of data generated surges. AWS’s cloud-based infrastructure will provide the foundation for the BMW Group to develop and deliver new features swiftly, such as lane departure assist, automated lane change, and hands-free driving.
AWS Services: Accelerating Development and Ensuring Safety
The collaborative project will leverage AWS services to create a scalable, automated driving platform with a common reference architecture. This approach streamlines the development lifecycle and extends it across BMW models. Notably, the platform will process, catalog, and store vast amounts of real-time driving data using Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3). Data scientists and engineers can efficiently identify and visualize relevant driving scenes using Amazon SageMaker, AWS’s machine learning service. Large-scale simulations can also be conducted on AWS compute instances for verification, expediting software testing and validation while enhancing system safety and reducing time-to-market.
The Vision for Safer, Premium-Quality Automated Driving
Wendy Bauer, General Manager of Automotive and Manufacturing at AWS, emphasized the importance of automated driving technology in preventing injuries and saving lives. She highlighted that the collaboration between BMW, AWS, and Qualcomm Technologies equips BMW Group with the necessary tools to realize its vision of providing safe, premium-quality, high-performance, and highly automated driving functions to its customers.
As consumer expectations drive unprecedented changes in the automotive industry, BMW’s partnership with AWS and Qualcomm Technologies demonstrates the commitment to stay at the forefront of innovation and deliver exceptional driving experiences. This pioneering venture holds the potential to redefine the future of automotive technology and safety. With AWS’s powerful cloud capabilities, BMW’s “Neue Klasse” vehicles, set to launch in 2025, may well represent a turning point in the world of automated driving.
