TRI-AD by Toyota Is On a Mission to Develop Self-Driving Software Systems

Toyota is teaming up with Aisin Seiki and Denso to develop self-driving software systems. Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development, also known as TRI-AD, is a new company based in Tokyo created by Toyota that has almost $3 billion invested into the launch of this organization.

The company’s goal is to  “create a fully-integrated, production-quality software for automated driving,” according to Toyota. The developed software is proposed to connect with what the Toyota Research Institute, TRI, has in the works to create a 100% self-driving vehicle. The Toyota Research Institute was founded by Toyota in 2015 with a focus on autonomous vehicles and robotics. In addition to this focus, TRI also continues to develop and enhance driver assistance systems for Toyota vehicles.

In comparison to other automakers in the industry, TRI-AD is a “unique approach”. Without having to outsource software systems, Toyota’s approach by keeping their developments in-house truly sets them apart from the competition. “This company’s mission is to accelerate software development in a more effective and disruptive way,” James Kuffner, CEO of Toyota’s new company. TRI-AD will start with 300 employees and eventually reach 1,000 team members.

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