In a move likely to reshape the automotive industry, Here Technologies and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a landmark $1 billion mapping deal aimed at advancing the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Revealed at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, this 10-year agreement aims to significantly expedite the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving (AD) technologies by combining Here’s precision location technology with AWS’s extensive cloud infrastructure. The integration of AI-powered live maps and enhanced location tech promises to bring more semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles to market, offering unparalleled efficiency and innovation.
Integration of Advanced Technologies
The collaboration between Here Technologies and AWS is set to revolutionize how SDVs are developed by focusing on advanced data analytics and location technology. One of the key highlights of this partnership is the introduction of AI-powered live maps that offer real-time updates and optimized driving routes, particularly essential for electric vehicle (EV) charging. This feature alone stands to make a significant impact on the automotive landscape, ensuring that EV drivers can plan their routes more efficiently, thereby reducing range anxiety. Furthermore, the deal introduces a new suite of cloud-native tools designed to accelerate software development processes for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), facilitating quicker time-to-market for next-generation vehicles.
The unveiling of SceneXtract at CES is a game-changer for automakers. This innovative tool allows for the simulation of real-world environments critical for ADAS and AD testing, minimizing the reliance on extensive on-road trials. By utilizing SceneXtract, automakers can experiment with various driving scenarios, ensuring that their ADAS and AD systems are both rigorous and reliable. These test simulations are essential for understanding how AD systems perform under different conditions, thereby improving their accuracy and safety features before they even hit the road. Here’s CEO, Mike Nefkens, highlighted that leveraging AWS’s global computing power enables advanced data analytics and software development throughout the SDV lifecycle, a sentiment echoed by AWS CEO Matt Garman.
Enhancing the Driving Experience
Another standout point of the Here-AWS partnership is the introduction of the AI Assistant, which sets a new standard for efficiency and user experience in transportation. By leveraging multiple GenAI Large Language Models, this assistant provides real-time guidance on various factors, such as smart routing, local amenities, imminent tolls, and upcoming speed limits. Denise Doyle, Here’s chief product officer, remarked on the assistant’s capability to offer personalized, real-time insights, greatly enhancing the driving experience for users. This innovation aims to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for drivers, allowing for more informed decision-making and improved road safety.
The potential applications of the AI Assistant are vast, ranging from navigation in urban environments to optimizing long-distance travel routes. By offering such detailed, real-time information, drivers can make better-informed decisions, potentially avoiding congested routes, staying updated on road conditions, and accessing useful local amenities. Additionally, the assistant’s capability to provide imminent traffic regulation updates, such as upcoming speed limits and tolls, ensures compliance with local laws, thereby enhancing road safety and reducing the likelihood of traffic violations. The AI Assistant exemplifies how the Here-AWS deal not only focuses on the technical aspect of autonomous driving but also aims to improve the overall driving experience.
Future Implications and Industry Transformation
In a significant move set to transform the automotive industry, Here Technologies and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced an unprecedented $1 billion partnership focused on the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Announced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, this groundbreaking 10-year contract aims to accelerate the progression of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving (AD) technologies. The collaboration will merge Here’s high-precision location technology with AWS’s expansive cloud infrastructure. This integration is expected to facilitate real-time AI-powered maps and enhanced location services, leading to a surge in the availability of semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles. By leveraging these advanced technologies, the partnership promises to introduce unmatched efficiency and innovation to the market. The collaboration aims to not only speed up the development of next-generation vehicles but also redefine mobility for consumers and industry players alike.
