The two companies also signed an agreement to collaborate on research and development of a proof-of-concept architecture that supports real-time updates of HD maps for automated driving. Here HD Live Map, a cloud service supporting vehicle automation, gives vehicles the ability to "see" obstacles beyond their immediate field of vision and receive real-time updates as environments change due to traffic, road conditions and other factors. Intel will work with Here's other shareholders on testing the map platform and it will later be made available to the entire industry. Additionally, the two companies plan to look at opportunities for enriching edge-computing devices with location data.
No financial details of the transaction were disclosed. Intel's Doug Davis, head of its Automated Driving Group, will join Here's supervisory board after closing of the deal, expected in Q1.
Here's shareholders earlier agreed to sell a 10 percent stake to Chinese mapping company NavInfo, internet services giant Tencent, and Singapore-based investment firm GIC in order to widen the shareholder base. Intel's participation is expected to help accelerate development in the autonomous driving market, where Intel earlier announced plans to invest significantly. Intel was already working with BMW to develop self-driving cars.
