The Robotics Software Driving Autonomous Vehicles

The Robotics Software Driving Autonomous Vehicles

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Perrone Robotics (PRI) is a robotics software company that has developed a complete full-stack and real-time capable robotics software platform for autonomous (“self-driving”) vehicles and general-purpose robotics.

PRI recently announced that it has received funding from Intel Capital, Intel’s strategic investment and M&A organization.

The company’s modular framework allows customers to rapidly develop partially and fully autonomous vehicle and robotics applications, and enables continuous improvements in systems capabilities, including the seamless addition of new sensors, controls, maneuvers, and behaviors.

According to prnewswire, after having been first fielded in PRI’s autonomous vehicle in the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge and then the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge, PRI’s MAX software has been deployed in many autonomous vehicle and robotics applications.

Applications of the platfom reach from Neil Young’s LincVolt vehicle over LIDAR-based applications at tollbooths on highways to crash testing and crash avoidance robotics systems with a major insurance institute.

The company’s website describes MAX as the brain of a self-driving car or robot. Using the company’s graphical interface, MAX allows engineers to create autonomous solutions by snapping together pieces much like building with Legos. MAX works with all sensors regardless of brand and type to provide solutions with a comprehensive picture of the road and environment. Further, MAX works with all types of control systems for autonomous vehicles including drive-by-wire and mechanical actuators. MAX is real-time capable, has a path to ISO certification, and is a “full-stack” comprehensive autonomous vehicle software platform. The funds from Intel will be used to further market and commercialize PRI’s robotics software platform offerings.

Intel Corporation and PRI have also entered into a business collaboration agreement, under which they will collaborate regarding certain technical, marketing and sales activities.

As part of this collaboration, Perrone will also work closely with Intel’s portfolio of automotive assets, including identifying software synergies with Intel subsidiary Wind River.

Marques McCammon, General Manager for Connected Vehicle Solutions at Wind River, said: “In order for the industry to advance complex initiatives such as autonomous driving, it is essential to that we take a platform-centric approach that will enable collaboration across the ecosystem. Wind River is excited to share its automotive expertise and work with innovators like PRI to further advance the automated driving landscape.”