BMW's iX3 Makes its Debut with Snapdragon Ride Autonomous Driving System, developed by Qualcomm
The BMW iX3, the latest electric SUV from the renowned automaker, is making waves in the automotive industry with its groundbreaking automated driving system. This innovative technology, branded as the 'Superbrain of Automated Driving,' is the result of a collaboration between BMW and Qualcomm Technologies.
At the heart of the BMW iX3's automated driving system lies the Snapdragon Ride Pilot, an advanced automated driving system that combines Qualcomm's perception technology with BMW's drive policy expertise. This system is built on Qualcomm's Snapdragon Ride system-on-chips (SoCs) and the Snapdragon Ride AD software stack, co-developed by both companies.
The Snapdragon Ride Pilot delivers 20 times the computing power of BMW's previous generation driver assistance systems, ensuring smooth and responsive automated driving experiences. It meets Automotive Safety Integrity Levels and Functional Safety standards, while also addressing requirements from NCAP, FMVSS127, and DCAS. The system integrates Safety of the Intended Functionality measures and multi-layered cybersecurity, including encryption and threat detection, to ensure the utmost safety and security.
The 360-degree perception system in the BMW iX3 uses cameras and radar in a bird's-eye-view architecture for object detection, lane recognition, traffic sign reading, parking assistance, driver monitoring, and mapping. This system allows the BMW iX3's automated driving system to detect potential hazards beyond the reach of conventional sensors.
The Snapdragon Ride Pilot in the BMW iX3 supports automated lane changes and overtaking triggered by subtle driver cues, and offers capabilities for highway assistant features with hands-free driving on approved routes. The system also features AI-assisted parking with slot detection.
Fleet data will be used to refine the Snapdragon Ride Pilot continuously in the BMW iX3, ensuring that the technology can improve throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle. The availability of the Snapdragon Ride Pilot is expected to expand to over 100 countries in 2026.
Qualcomm Technologies, the company responsible for the development of the 'superbrain' in the new BMW iX3, has validated the technology for use in more than 60 countries. The Snapdragon Ride Pilot made its debut in the all-new BMW iX3, and supports over-the-air updates via Qualcomm's SDK.
More than 1,400 engineers and specialists across Germany, the United States, Sweden, Romania, and the BMW Automated Driving Test Center in the Czech Republic contributed to the development of this revolutionary technology.
The BMW iX3's automated driving system is a testament to the future of automotive technology, combining cutting-edge software with BMW's renowned engineering expertise to create a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable driving experience.
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