Baidu Utilizing BlackBerry Software In Self-Driving Car Platform
The China-based tech giant Baidu will be utilizing software systems provided by Canada’s BlackBerry in its self-driving vehicle platform, according to the signing of a new agreement between the two firms.
The new agreement will see the two tech companies collaborate on the development of self-driving vehicle technology. Considering BlackBerry’s recent move towards a security-systems focus, that’s presumably where the firm will be providing the most input.
On that matter, BlackBerry reps have already revealed that Baidu will be using BlackBerry’s QNX Hypervisor 2.0 software in its self-driving open platform — which has been dubbed “Apollo.”
“Also, BlackBerry and Baidu will work together to integrate Baidu’s CarLife, the leading smartphone integration software for connected cars in China, as well as its conversational AI system DuerOS, and high definition maps to run on the BlackBerry QNX Car (Infotainment) Platform,” a press release stated.
“By integrating the BlackBerry QNX OS with the Apollo platform, we will enable carmakers to leap from prototype to production systems,” stated Li Zhenyu, the general manager of Baidu’s intelligent driving division.
“Joining forces with Baidu will enable us to explore integration opportunities for multiple vehicle subsystems including ADAS, infotainment, gateways, and cloud services,” said John Wall, Senior Vice President and GM of BlackBerry QNX. “Baidu has made tremendous strides in Artificial Intelligence and deep learning. These advancements paired with their high-definition maps and BlackBerry’s safety-critical embedded software and expertise in security will be crucial ingredients for autonomous vehicles.”
BlackBerry has been moving away from phones and handhelds devices towards greener pastures, so to speak, the past few years. Could this be the breakthrough it needs? Its stock is up significantly on the news.
This news follows on similar deals that the Canada-based firm has struck with Aptiv, Qualcomm, Ford, and Denso. Expect to see more of the same over the coming years.
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