Analog Devices (ADI) has signed a “collaboration memorandum of understanding” with Chinese technology company Baidu to jointly work on autonomous driving technology, which will enhance the capability of Project Apollo, Baidu’s autonomous driving platform.

The ADI-Baidu collaboration will focus on “comprehensive, systematic and reliable solutions” for autonomous driving and vehicle connectivity. According to a press release, ADI and Baidu will share resources and technologies to extend sensing and navigation for Project Apollo, including radar, LiDAR, inertial measurement units (IMU), A2B/C2B bus and DSP products.

ADI’s Drive360 navigation and perception solution, which comprises radar, LiDAR and IMUs, functions as a safety shield around the vehicle. Fusing the three sensor technologies gives the vehicle “sight and feeling.” ADI said the quality of its sensor data enables the AI to be “better informed” about the world around it and make decisions well in advance of potential obstacles, helping to reduce the chances of autonomous vehicle accidents.

“There are stunning innovations being developed in China by traditional automotive companies, as well as the disruptors in car manufacturing. ADI offers groundbreaking advantages in autonomous driving, cabin electronics and EV and HEV powertrain.” — Chris Jacobs, vice president for autonomous transportation and safety at ADI.

ADI is pursuing the development of differentiated technologies to meet the performance, reliability and security capabilities needed for autonomous driving to succeed.