Amazon Web Services (AWS), Qualcomm Technologies, and Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) have announced a collaboration aimed at speeding up the development of SHM’s upcoming electric vehicle, AFEELA. The partnership uses AWS’s cloud infrastructure and Qualcomm AI100 accelerators to help move the AFEELA from its concept stage to a consumer-ready product by 2026.
AFEELA is designed as a next-generation smart vehicle with AI-powered autonomous features and advanced entertainment systems. The companies say that their joint efforts are making it possible for SHM to accelerate the timeline for developing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
“Through this collaboration and AWS’s cloud capabilities, we're helping transform vehicles into hyper-connected mobility hubs that personalize the driving experience in ways that will help improve both safety and entertainment," said Hiroki Takakura, General Manager of Network Service Development Division, Sony Honda Mobility Inc. "By using Qualcomm accelerators on AWS, we're shrinking our development timelines—turning months of simulation work into mere weeks and processing unprecedented volumes of drive data.”
The AFEELA vehicle will include an integrated network of 360-degree sensors combined with AI-powered systems for driving support. These technologies are intended to help the car respond to changing road conditions with features such as autonomous driving assistance. According to SHM, these advancements aim to assist drivers in finding optimal routes and simplifying parking.
"Our work with SHM and Qualcomm is changing the game for how cars are developed and experienced," said Ozgur Tohumcu, General Manager of Automotive and Manufacturing at AWS. "Together, we're helping create a more seamless connection between cloud technology and the AI-powered features that help enhance the driving experience for customers, helping enable SHM to bring exciting innovations to customers faster than ever before.”
The collaboration has resulted in a new cloud-based infrastructure that allows SHM to generate, process, and analyze large amounts of simulation data more efficiently. This system supports the development of automated driving features like adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and piloted driving. These functions will operate on Snapdragon Ride SoCs when AFEELA enters production.