Japan self-driving startup Tier IV to design open-source AI chips

AutomobilesLower costs could encourage automakers to move semiconductor development in-houseThese vehicles are equipped with autonomous driving technology from Tier IV. (Photo by Nikkei)RYO MUKANOAugust 14, 2026 05:04 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese autonomous-driving startup Tier IV looks to develop artificial intelligence semiconductor designs it would release for free, a move that could help automakers rely less on foreign sources for a key technology.Read NextAutomobilesToyota backs Japan self-driving startup Tier IV in development pushTechnologyJapan to make new push to set global standards as it trails in AI, chipsSemiconductorsSamsung sees rising chip production requests from BYD, Google, AMD: sourcesInterviewFoxconn EV chief says driverless technology to arrive sooner than expectedTransportat