French automotive parts maker Valeo and French self driving vehicle maker Navya are to strengthen their technological and industrial collaboration in the field of autonomous shuttles.

With 180 units sold worldwide, Navya’s shuttles are already equipped with Valeo technologies. Intensified collaboration between the two companies will aim to intensify research and development to perfect level 4 autonomous driving systems, with the goal of market ready products within the next three years.

Valeo will provide Navya with sensors and associated algorithms, allowing a fine perception of the vehicle environment, while Navya will share the technical and functional data collected during the experiments. At the end of this phase, Valeo will ensure the industrial supply of the selected components, with a view to their integration into the stand-alone solutions marketed by Navya.

From a technological point of view, the collaboration will relate in particular to: cameras, Artificial Intelligence software and on-board computers (ECU).

In terms of driver assistance, Valeo has a portfolio of technologies manufactured on a large scale, including: ultrasonic sensors, cameras, radars and the first 3D LiDAR to go into mass production and meet exacting specifications for the automotive industry.

Valeo will add its on-board computer, “the brain” capable of merging and processing the data collected to the collaboration. The control unit recreates a detailed 360° representation around the vehicle and, thanks to its algorithms, ensures object detection and safety-related functions.

This technological, industrial and commercial alliance is in addition to the long-standing cooperation agreements between the two companies, particularly with regard to the sensors used on the “Autonom” Shuttles. The applications that will result from the first phase of development are scheduled for the third quarter of 2022.

Etienne Hermite, Chairman of the Management Board of Navya, said: “I would like to thank our partner and shareholder Valeo for their renewed confidence. This collaboration with one of the world automotive leaders illustrates the added value of our technology. In addition, with this agreement, Navya will provide new outlets for components and subsystems designed by Valeo while perfecting its autonomous mobility solutions with the objective of strengthening our positioning as a benchmark player for the supply of autonomous driving systems. level 4 for the transport of passengers and goods”.

Geoffrey Bouquot, Director of Research & Development and Strategy at Valeo, said: “Strengthening our collaboration with Navya, an innovative and pioneering company at the heart of autonomous mobility, will allow us to test our latest technologies in terms of assistance. driving in a real situation. Our partnership is a concrete illustration of Valeo’s DNA: innovation at the service of all types of mobility, with the objective of making them safer, greener and smarter.”