Autonomous Vehicle Test Software Developer Named Top Auto Startup

Portland, Ore.-based PolySync Technologies Inc. has won this year’s Top Ten Automotive Startups competition by the organizers of AutoMobility LA, which was held earlier this week in conjunction with the Los Angeles auto show.

The three-year-old middleware company (formerly Harbrick Technologies) provides a software development platform to help carmakers and suppliers design and test autonomous vehicle technologies. Other startup companies also are using the platform to share development information with traditional suppliers and carmakers. 

This week PolySync launched its Open Source Car Control Project development tool. The company claims the kit can be used to convert a conventional Kia Soul into a test vehicle for automated driving technologies for less than $1,000.

The system allows developers to connect Arduino-based modules, along with their own hardware and software, to a vehicle’s CAN bus and other internal control systems. This enables communication to the steering and throttle controls, using PolySync’s platform or other software. Automated braking is enabled via a brake-by-wire module.

The first customer is the University of Michigan's Mcity proving grounds for autonomous vehicles, which will install the kit on two Souls. The vehicles will be used by Mcity’s industry partners, U-M engineering students and researchers.