The future of autonomous driving is taking a major leap forward as Honda Motor Co. teams up with Redwood City-based AI startup Helm.ai to develop cutting-edge self-driving technologies.

In a strategic move that highlights the ongoing innovation in the Bay Area’s tech ecosystem, Honda has signed a multi-year agreement with Helm.ai to create advanced driver assistance systems targeting mass market vehicles by 2027. The collaboration represents a significant step towards making autonomous driving more accessible and affordable for consumers worldwide.

Helm.ai, founded in 2016, has already raised over $100 million and specializes in camera-based computerized perception and simulation software. Honda has been investing in the startup since 2021, including an early-stage financing round of at least $30 million, demonstrating their commitment to next-generation automotive technologies.

The partnership aims to develop partially automated acceleration and steering capabilities that can function seamlessly on both regular roads and highways. This approach puts Honda in competition with other automotive pioneers like General Motors’ SuperCruise and Tesla’s Autopilot.

Mahito Shikama, head of Honda’s software-defined vehicle business, emphasized the company’s vision of “realizing safe and affordable automated driving technologies for global customers”. Helm.ai’s CEO Vladislav Voroninski echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about entering the next phase of production development.

As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, partnerships like this between traditional automotive manufacturers and innovative tech startups are becoming increasingly crucial in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on our roads. The collaboration between Honda and Helm.ai represents a promising glimpse into a future where self-driving vehicles could become the norm rather than the exception.

With Silicon Valley consistently at the forefront of technological innovation, this partnership underscores the region’s pivotal role in shaping the next generation of transportation technologies.