TIER IV, a Japan-based pioneer in autonomous driving technology, has launched a new development kit designed to streamline the creation and validation of autonomous vehicle systems. The package, called the DTV Kit, includes a drivable test vehicle and is fully compatible with Autoware, the open-source autonomous driving software supported by TIER IV.
Developed in collaboration with unmanned delivery vehicle startup Whale Dynamic, the DTV Kit is aimed at organizations and developers seeking a practical, low-barrier solution for real-world AV testing. Key features include pre-synchronized electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors, eliminating the need for complex calibration, and built-in integration with TIER IV’s cloud-native DevOps platform, Web.Auto.
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“The DTV Kit offers a seamless pathway from simulation to on-road validation,” said TIER IV in a statement. “With hardware derived from our Edge.Auto platform, the kit also supports scalability and customization, enabling developers to move efficiently from prototype to production.”
The DTV Kit is particularly suited for graduates of TIER IV’s Autoware Partner Program, offering them a ready-to-use platform to apply their knowledge in operational environments. It also provides current Autoware users an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real-world autonomous systems.
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By combining software compatibility, DevOps integration, and production-ready hardware, the DTV Kit underscores TIER IV’s commitment to expanding the Autoware ecosystem. The company said it aims to lower the development threshold and help accelerate the global adoption of autonomous driving technologies.