The Road to Autonomy

Episode 292 | Tier IV’s Open-Source Playbook for Scaling Autonomy Globally

Apr 22, 2025

Christian John, President of TIER IV North America, dives into the world of open-source autonomous driving in this engaging discussion. He highlights TIER IV's innovative approach to scaling modular platforms for everything from robotaxis to buses. The success of their autonomous buses in Japan, especially addressing the aging population and driver shortages, is impressive. John emphasizes the power of collaboration in the sector and explains how open-source software can drive global advancements in autonomy.

38:24

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Episode guests

Christian John

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Quick takeaways

TIER IV leverages an open-source model, akin to Meta's AI approach, to foster collaboration and reduce development costs in autonomous driving.

The company's success in Japan highlights how tailored autonomy solutions can address local challenges like aging populations and driver shortages while optimizing logistics.

Deep dives

Approach to Autonomy in Japan

The development of autonomy solutions by the company is centered around creating reference platforms for integration into a variety of vehicles and operational design domains. They utilize the open-source auto-ware software to build implementations tailored to specific vehicle types, encompassing essential components like sensors, cameras, and other technologies. Various platforms such as edge.auto, pilot.auto, and web.auto are employed to ensure a comprehensive autonomous driving ecosystem, including capabilities for fleet management and real-time data collection. This approach allows the company to adapt its technology for different use cases, from public transport buses to factory logistics, while collaborating with partners for commercial deployment.

Intro

3min

Embracing Open-Source in Autonomy

11min

Advancements in Automotive Camera Technology through Collaborative Innovation

2min

Catalyzing Autonomous Mobility in Japan

18min

Adapting Autonomous Technology for Global Markets

2min

Exploring the Future of Open-Source Autonomy

3min

Christian John, President, TIER IV North America joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss how TIER IV is scaling open-source autonomous driving platform software globally.

Tier IV is using the foundational elements of Autoware, an open-source autonomous driving software stack to build scalable, modular reference platforms for everything from robotaxis to autonomous buses and industrial logistics. This open platform approach allows multiple companies to collaborate, innovate, and distribute development costs across the ecosystem, similar to Meta’s open-source LLama model for AI.

In Japan, TIER IV is experiencing particular success with autonomous buses in Japan, where they’ve secured approximately 50% of municipal contracts as part of Japan’s Mobility DX initiative addressing the country’s aging population and driver shortage.

As autonomy scales globally, open-source autonomous driving software could play a vital role. It’s a role that TIER IV wants to play in the global autonomy market.

Episode Chapters

0:00 TIER IV Platform

6:27 Open-Source Software

8:25 Autoware

9:52 Building on the TIER IV Platform

11:52 Japanese Autonomy Market

17:32 Nippon Steel

21:46 Vehicle Platforms

23:51 Developing Public Trust

26:31 Robotaxis

31:58 Scaling in North America

36:00 Future of TIER IV

Recorded on Friday, April 18, 2025

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About The Road to Autonomy

The Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™.

Autonomy is transforming industries and creating an entirely new economy that we call the autonomy economy™. The Road to Autonomy provides advisory and market intelligence services that helps you better understand the market and stay ahead of what’s coming next. To learn more, say hello (at) roadtoautonomy.com.

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The Road to Autonomy

Episode 292 | Tier IV’s Open-Source Playbook for Scaling Autonomy Globally

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Approach to Autonomy in Japan

Community-Driven Innovation

Working with Local Industries

Expanding to Global Markets

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts