The Car.Software Org of the Volkswagen Group with the aim to expand its competence in the field of image processing is acquiring the front camera software business of HELLA including the associated testing and validation departments.
HELLA Aglaia Mobile Vision GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA. It has expertise in the development and validation of image processing software in the automotive environment. This especially includes optical and AI-based systems allowing vehicles to detect and classify elements of their surroundings such as objects, lights, lanes and traffic signs.
Car.Software Org is an independent software company that groups together the software skills of the Volkswagen Group, from its Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche brands as well as other subsidiaries and continues to expand this competence.
The specialists are developing a standardized software architecture for vehicles of all brands within the Group as well as a digital ecosystem and customer-oriented functions for the sales organization.
The company is working on a strategy to develop all the key software components in-house in the future. It is developing driver assistance systems up to automated driving and parking on behalf of all Group brands.
Image processing is a key competence in this area with growing strategic relevance for the future. The objective is to generate a precise image of the vehicle’s surroundings using data from cameras and other sensors. This will allow the vehicle to detect its environment and to determine its position, to predict situations and to carry out proactive maneuvers.
The acquisition will boost the development of competence in the field of computer vision within the Car.Software Org and strengthen its position for the development of safe and innovative driving functions.
On the completion of acquisition, which is still subject to approval by the anti-trust authorities and is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2021, about half of the employees of HELLA Aglaia will be transferred to the Car.Software Org.
