University of Amsterdam and TomTom launch autonomous driving research lab

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) and TomTom have launched a new public-private research lab called Atlas Lab. The lab is part of The Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI), based in the Amsterdam Science Park – a national initiative focused on joint technology development between academia, industry and government in the area of AI.

The UvA is embarking on research on the use of AI for creating HD maps suitable for all levels of autonomous driving. Theo Gevers, one of the Scientific Directors at Atlas Lab, said: “At the UvA we are already doing research on automated recognition of items in images and videos. Yet the recognition of items and creation of HD maps in highly complex situations like a moving car, is still a huge challenge. This collaboration with TomTom provides an extra dimension to new and challenging AI-research.”

For the next five years, five PhD students will work in the Atlas lab on projects contributing to automated recognition of items like traffic signs, 3D-localisation of vehicles and combining LIDAR (light detection and ranging) laser and camera images. For retrieving data, mobile mapping vans equipped with sensors, like LIDAR-systems and cameras, are being used.

Harold Goddijn, TomTom CEO, said: “We need ground-breaking research into AI technology, which is why we are collaborating with UvA’s AI department on this initiative. This will move us a step closer to an autonomous future with safer roads, free of congestion and emissions.”