TIER IV, Inc.

TIER IV, Inc. is a Japanese company that develops open-source autonomous driving technology and reference designs for intelligent vehicles. It gives individuals and organizations open access to its autonomous driving technology so they can take part in an ecosystem of intelligent vehicles. The company describes its goal as making intelligent vehicles affordable and available for everyday use, and its research includes Autoware.

Open platform and partners

The company presents its platform and reference design as a way to make autonomous driving open to many contributors. It says the system becomes safer and smarter as vehicles drive more. TIER IV and the Technical University of Munich have set up an Autoware research center to advance the open ecosystem. The company also works with Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec on Autoflow road deployment under a Japanese government project.

Projects and technology

• Autonomous bus trials: a Japanese government grant supports field operational tests of an autonomous bus and talent development in Saudi Arabia.
• ROS 2 scheduling: a technical post covers direct Linux scheduling for ROS 2 callbacks, using a method called CallbackIsolatedExecutor.
• Events: the company invites visitors to Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2026 and CEATEC 2026.
• Partnerships: the site invites partnership and technology inquiries.

Recognition and research

The chief executive, Shinpei Kato, received the Venture Executive Award at the Keizaikai Legend Venture Awards, according to the site. The Autoware research center with the Technical University of Munich is set up to advance an open autonomous driving ecosystem, and the company says it aims to create references that empower people.

Key facts

• Based in: Japan
• Products: Autoware research, platform and reference design for intelligent vehicles
• Markets: Japan, Saudi Arabia and Germany, based on the projects the site names