Toyoda Gosei, the Japanese industrial group, announced its investment in IMUZAK, a optics technology startup, for strengthening optical modules for autonomous driving technology development.

The evolution of autonomous driving technology is expected to increase the need for parts equipped with sensing functions to recognize the surrounding environment, such as nearby vehicles or pedestrians and road configuration, and human-machine interface functions for communication between vehicles and people. Given this trend, Toyoda Gosei is integrating sensors and other electronic components into its exterior and interior products such as front grilles, cockpits, and steering wheels, where it has been a leading supplier for many years. The modular products it is developing with this new technology will combine functions for safety and comfort with attractive design.

Toyoda Gosei invested JPY50 million (US$0.46 million) in IMUZAK, by which Toyoda Gosei will take 19.1 percent equity stake in IMUZAK. The investment will give it access to that company’s expertise in the field of optics for the creation of new value as it develops exterior products that are transparent to infrared light using LIDAR and interior products that use light in equipment operation.