Inside the World of Autonomous Driving Development
Head of C1 camera team reveals future opportunities for ADK
Our series TIER IV PEOPLE shines a light on the people and teams whose unique experiences, backgrounds, and stories bring our mission to life.
Our latest interview is with Kazunari KAWABATA, the project leader behind our cutting-edge on-board proprietary camera and the Autonomous Driving Development Kit (ADK). An engineer known for fearlessly taking on challenges, he shares his thoughts about TIER IV, his work, and the future where TIER IV’s autonomous vehicles run along streets worldwide.
Tell us about your background.
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 in university and specialized in condensed matter physics during graduate school. My research focused on observing changes in electrons within specific materials at ultra-low temperatures of -200 degrees Celsius or more, using semiconductors and superconductors.
After grad school, I worked for a major precision machinery manufacturer, where I led the development of software for their image sensors for about seven years. After that, I was transferred to their subsidiary in New York, where I spent most of my time launching a new kind of business that focused on using image sensors to develop AI-based software for professional photographers. This software aimed to expedite the photo selection process and increase efficiency.
Kazunari Kawabata | Product Owner
What inspired you to join TIER IV?
After spending a couple of years in New York, I craved more freedom and a fresh perspective on my work. Being exposed to cutting-edge technology from Silicon Valley, I became deeply interested in AI and AD. Recognizing that these changes would revolutionize the future, I chose to join TIER IV.
The turning point was my interview with the CTO, now CEO, Shinpei Kato. His vision for the company, delivered with conviction, resonated with me. I was thrilled to find a leader who shared my passion for the field and showed genuine excitement to work together.
Describe your role at TIER IV.
Initially, I worked as a system engineer, where I supported customers using our systems while simultaneously learning the ins-and-outs of the technology from colleagues and seniors. I was also involved in a project where Autoware was used in the e-Palette autonomous- shuttle bus, gaining attention during the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
Later, I joined the Sensing & Perception team, where I began to apply my prior work experience and worked on automotive cameras. Realizing the importance of camera quality, and reliability necessary for AD, I wasn’t quite satisfied with the commercially-available products we were using, so I proposed developing our own cameras. This idea was initially met with some pushback, calling it a risky venture for a company that develops AD software to suddenly expand into hardware development. Despite this, though, I was convinced that if we could develop a camera that satisfied the requirements of TIER IV, we would be able to meet the development needs of AD as a whole, not just software. Despite the initial pushback, we gained full support, leading to the successful launch of our Automotive HDR cameras. This opened new avenues for us, boosting production and expanding our product lineup.
Press Release :
This kind of corporate discretion is something unique to a start-up company, and I really felt fulfilled as both an engineer and product designer. I’m currently continuing this line of development of automotive cameras and ADKs. I also play a role in deciding the direction of product development based on customer and market needs, and incorporating that into the necessary specifications and performance of said products.
Tell us more about ADK.
TIER IV’s focus is empowering and reimaging intelligent vehicles globally, centered on developing our own software platform using Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for AD technology.
ADK, short for “Autonomous Driving Development Kit,”s is an all-in-one package that combines an Automotive camera, LiDAR, and a computer for processing sensor data. Utilizing the recommended computer and sensor package saves customers time in hardware selection, and speeds up their development process. The kit is highly modular, allowing customization to meet specific requirements.
Is there anything you want to do at TIER IV going forward?
In general, my focus remains on innovating in the AD field, making TIER IV a well-known company with cutting-edge technology. We plan to demonstrate our technological prowess as the first AD development company in Japan through nationwide initiatives.
We have exciting plans ahead, especially for engineers interested in branding and new business development. Keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities!
Is there anything you consider personally important to you as an engineer?
I consider it a kind of mission to correctly understand customer issues and propose the right solutions. This passion is what motivates me to be a better engineer who can apply himself with ease. That’s why it’s essential I keep honing my skills and updating my knowledge in the process. The word “engineer” is pretty broad, isn’t it? It can describe a wide range of occupations and skills. 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. That’s why we really want to work with people who are just as passionate, responsible, and flexible to be proactive enough to deal with the challenges of developing systems that function the same no matter which computer they’re a component of.
Message to prospective applicants.
At TIER IV, we prioritize work-life balance, allowing flexible remote work with office interaction when needed. This approach has not only made work comfortable, but also allows more quality time with family. We maintain a vibrant work environment with employee interactions through various activities. I’m part of our company’s fishing club, for example, and I like that I have friends who I can enjoy my hobbies with when I’m not at work.
A final message to our readers?
At TIER IV, our team works tirelessly to lead the world in AD. With our unique vision, strategy, and cutting-edge technology, we aim to revolutionize transportation across the globe.Your continued support is invaluable to us. We are currently looking for embedded software engineers and ADK product development engineers/FAEs, eager to embrace new challenges and contribute to our vision.
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