Inside the world of autonomous driving development
Kazunari Kawabata
TIER IV People shines a light on the individuals and teams whose unique experiences, backgrounds, and stories bring our mission to life. In this installment, Kazunari Kawabata, the product owner of our automotive cameras, reflects on what it takes to turn technical challenges into real-world solutions.
— Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in this field?
Physics has always intrigued me since I was in high school, particularly its application in understanding complex subjects through simple rules and mathematical equations. I majored in physics at university and specialized in condensed matter physics at graduate school. My research focused on how electrons behave in materials and how electrical resistance changes when semiconductors and superconductors are placed in ultra-low temperature environments of around minus two hundred degrees Celsius.
After grad school, I worked for a precision machinery manufacturer, where I spent about seven years working on core technology development for image sensors. After that, I was transferred to a subsidiary in New York, where I spent most of my time working on the launch of a new business.
— What motivated you to join TIER IV?
After nearly two years in New York, I found myself wanting more freedom and ownership in my work, and the chance to take on new challenges. Being exposed every day to cutting-edge technology and business trends coming out of Silicon Valley also made me realize that fields like AI and autonomous driving would soon become major forces for transformation across society. That sparked my interest in exploring these areas further. My interview with TIER IV founder Shinpei Kato sealed my decision to join the company. His vision and strength of conviction resonated with me.
— What does your role at TIER IV involve?
Initially, I worked as a system engineer, supporting customers while learning the ins and outs of the technology from colleagues. I was also involved in a project where Autoware was used in the e-Palette autonomous shuttle, which attracted a lot of attention during the Tokyo Olympics. Later, I joined the Sensing and Perception team, where I began to make use of my prior experience. I soon realized how critical camera performance, quality and reliability are in autonomous driving.
Because of a lack of availability of products that met our standards, I proposed developing our own cameras. Concerns were raised about the risk of a company that develops software suddenly expanding into hardware development. But I was convinced that if we could build a camera that satisfied our requirements, we would be able to meet the development needs of the wider industry. Despite the initial pushback, the project got full support, leading to the successful launch of our automotive HDR cameras. Experiencing that level of responsibility gave me a real sense of fulfillment, as both an engineer and product owner. It is something that is unique to startups.
I also play a role in deciding the direction of product development based on customer and market needs. Products like our autonomous driving development kit, which bundles together automotive cameras, LiDAR and the computers that process sensor data. The modular kit features sensor and computer configurations recommended by TIER IV, saving customers time in hardware selection and speeding up the development cycle.
Going forward, I want to continue driving innovation in the sector. Autonomous driving is expected to become an essential part of our transportation infrastructure. As a startup from Japan, TIER IV has already built a track record through large-scale demonstration projects across the country, which is helping us establish wider recognition of our technological strengths. We have exciting plans ahead, especially for engineers interested in new business development, so keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities!
— What do you consider important in your work as an engineer?
I consider it a kind of mission to correctly understand customer issues and propose the right solutions. That’s what motivates me to be a better engineer. It’s important for me to keep honing my skills and updating my knowledge. The word “engineer” is pretty broad. It can describe a wide range of roles and skillsets. For example, the embedded software engineer position we’re currently recruiting for at TIER IV requires not only the programming languages and skills necessary for software development, but a keen understanding of CPU and OS control, hardware circuit design, and so on.
— What can prospective candidates expect if they join TIER IV?
Work-life balance is important here. Telework is common, with office days reserved for tasks that require being on-site. It’s a very comfortable approach that also means more quality time with family. At the same time, there are also lots of opportunities to interact with team members socially. I’m in the company fishing club, and being able to share hobbies with teammates outside of work is a definite bonus.
At TIER IV, we believe that our unique vision, strategy, and cutting-edge technology will give us the edge in the autonomous driving sector. We’re paving the way for a future where autonomous vehicles powered by TIER IV technology are on roads worldwide. We’re currently looking for engineers with a sense of responsibility and initiative to tackle bold challenges. If our vision resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.
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