TIER IV, an open-source software developer for autonomous driving, says it is set to introduce an end-to-end architecture for Level 4+ autonomy in mobility services across 50 Japanese locations, beginning in early 2026.
This system, which does not require human intervention even in new situations, will undergo large-scale demonstrations to assess its performance in real-world conditions.
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Through the pursuit of Level 4+ autonomy, TIER IV aims to address significant challenges in the country, such as revitalising local communities and bolstering industrial competitiveness.
The architecture, accessible through the open-source Autoware platform, leverages diffusion model-based machine learning for a range of driving tasks including surrounding object prediction and vehicle trajectory generation.
It enables the system to exhibit human-like driving behaviour in complex environments, such as navigating through busy intersections or avoiding obstacles.
The system integrates rule-based components to ensure both “high interpretability and operational stability”.
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By GlobalDataThis approach aims to provide a practical foundation for achieving Level 4+ autonomy in vehicles.
To refine the development of its models, TIER IV utilises the modular architecture and simulation capabilities of Autoware.
This allows for the creation of large-scale synthetic training data, which, when combined with real-world data, leads to the efficient development of high-performance models.
The company noted that it plans to continue enhancing its datasets and model performance to bolster the robustness of the architecture.
TIER IV also said that it explores various data-centric AI models for adaptability in different applications, from personal cars to commercial vehicles for mobility and logistics services.
Leveraging Autoware, TIER IV claims to create scalable platforms and provide comprehensive solutions in software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations.
In March 2025, TIER IV showcased its latest prototype of a steering wheel- and pedal-free robotaxi in Japan.
