AutoCore
AutoCore provides ASIL-D certified automotive middleware and intelligent mobility software for OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and semiconductor partners, with expanding operations in robotics, industrial automation, and AI-native SaaS software engineering.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersNanjing, China
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What AutoCore does
AutoCore is a Nanjing, China-based intelligent mobility software provider founded in March 2018 by Dr. Yang Zhang. The company builds a distributed system software platform (AutoCore.OS) and full-stack communication middleware (AutoCore.COMM, including DDS, SOME/IP, TSN, Runtime, Timesync, and gPTP stacks) for heterogeneous computing across intelligent vehicles, robots, and industrial control systems. AutoCore is the only company globally to hold full ISO 26262 ASIL-D product certification across its entire software stack (DDS, Runtime, Timesync) via TÜV Rheinland, supplemented by ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 information security certifications. Its product portfolio spans automotive (AutoCore.OS, AutoCore.COMM, SDV, CCU and ZCU integrated solutions, AutoCore.Tool, TSN Fusion), robotics (AutoCore Robot OS, AutoRobo core controller, ADrive L4 open-source series, AMR/AGV/embodied intelligence solutions, Robot SaaS), industrial automation (AutoMinds for PLC/DCS/intelligent controllers), and AI-native software engineering SaaS (AutoForge, launched September 2025 with multi-agent collaboration).
The company monetizes through multi-year software platform licensing to automotive OEMs and Tier 1/2 suppliers, algorithm and application software authorization, project-based engineering and integration services, robot hardware-software bundled sales, and SaaS subscriptions (AutoForge, Robot SaaS). Pricing is enterprise quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Distribution is direct enterprise sales supplemented by ecosystem embedding through semiconductor reference designs (Qualcomm Dragonwing, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Rockchip, Tenstorrent) and Tier 1 channels (Bosch, Foxconn/MIH, Toyota Tsusho Nexty). The company is venture-backed by a strategic-investor-heavy cap table including Foxconn, Hillhouse/GL Ventures, IDG Capital, Bosch Ventures, BoYuan Capital, Mizuho Financial Group, Shenzhen Leaguer Group, GAC Capital, and Cyberpunk Singularity, and serves customers across China, Japan, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
AutoCore firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AutoCore
- Legal name
- 奥特酷智能科技（南京）有限公司
- Website
- https://autocore.ai
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- AutoCore provides ASIL-D certified automotive middleware and intelligent mobility software for OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and semiconductor partners, with expanding operations in robotics, industrial automation, and AI-native SaaS software engineering.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AutoCore industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Middleware & SDV Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (336320)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Embedded Software & Firmware Tools (Compilers, Debug, RTOS tooling) (HDAHAFAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), PLC, HMI & SCADA Automation (EDAOAHAD)
Keywords
Where AutoCore is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nanjing
- HQ country
- China
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
AutoCore business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Operations
Revenue model
- Software Platform Licensing: AutoCore licenses its AutoCore.OS software platform and communication middleware (DDS, SOME/IP, TSN stacks) to automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Licensing covers multiple deployment scenarios including domain controllers, central computing units, and zonal architectures. The company provides customization and integration services alongside platform licenses.
- Algorithm and Application Software Authorization: AutoCore provides algorithm software and application software authorization services to automotive OEMs, chip manufacturers, and system integrators for autonomous driving and intelligent connectivity applications.
- Engineering Services: The company provides system integration and software development services including EE architecture design, application development for smart driving, smart cockpit, and vehicle-cloud integration, as well as Classic AutoSAR engineering services.
- Robot Hardware and Software Platform: AutoCore sells integrated robot core controllers (AutoRobo) combining proprietary software with hardware platforms (Qualcomm, Rockchip), targeting robot OEMs, system integrators, and AMR/AGV manufacturers.
- SaaS Services (AutoForge, Robot SaaS): AutoForge is delivered as a SaaS platform with subscription and pay-per-use billing options. Robot SaaS provides device lifecycle management, OTA, remote diagnostics, and algorithm repositories for robot manufacturers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | AutoForge SaaS Platform — Flexible subscription and pay-per-use options |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Automotive Software Platform Licensing — Enterprise quote-based |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
AutoCore product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AutoCore develops and licenses an intelligent mobility computing software platform (AutoCore.OS) and supporting full-stack communication middleware (AutoCore.COMM, DDS, TSN, SOME/IP) for next-generation automotive E/E architectures, software-defined vehicles (SDV), industrial automation, and robotics. The company also offers integrated CCU/ZCU solutions, an AI-native software engineering SaaS platform (AutoForge), and production-ready robot core controllers (AutoRobo).
Product overview
AutoCore is an intelligent mobility computing platform provider with a multi-product portfolio spanning automotive software (AutoCore.OS, AutoCore.COMM, AutoCore.Runtime, AutoCore.Timesync, AutoCore.DDS), development tools (AutoCore.Tool, AutoCore.Foundation), network solutions (TSN Fusion), and robotics platforms (AutoCore Robot OS, AutoRobo, ADrive series). The company offers end-to-end SDV solutions including CCU/ZCU integrated solutions, industrial automation platform (AutoMinds), and AI-native SaaS engineering platform (AutoForge). The core AutoCore.OS middleware platform integrates with ROS/ROS2 ecosystem while providing ASIL-D certified safety-critical communication, time synchronization, and deterministic scheduling. The product portfolio is unified around a layered software architecture with a common safety and security foundation that spans from vehicle domain controllers to robots and industrial control systems.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- AutoCore.OS: Distributed system software platform for high-performance mobile computing, integrating self-developed Runtime scheduling framework and vehicle SOA architecture.
- AutoCore.COMM
- AutoCore.DDS
- AutoCore.Runtime
- AutoCore.Timesync
- AutoForge
- AutoRobo
- ADrive
- AutoMinds
- TSN Fusion
- AutoCore.Tool
Products and services
- AutoCore.OS Distributed systems software platform for high-performance mobile computing that integrates a self-developed Runtime scheduling framework and vehicle SOA architecture to provide flexible and reliable support for intelligent devices across heterogeneous chip platforms and operating systems.
- AutoCore.COMM Full-stack vehicle network protocol stack supporting multiple bus and communication protocols including DDS, SOME/IP, SHM, TSN, DoIP, and ERPS, providing efficient and stable infrastructure for vehicle communication with Ethernet latency under 500 microseconds.
- AutoCore.SDV Solution End-to-end software-defined vehicle solution providing architecture design, vehicle application development services, and a basic software platform to help OEMs implement SDV strategies.
- CCU (Central Computing Unit) Software-hardware integrated vehicle central computing platform for OEMs to quickly build differentiated next-generation intelligent automotive platforms supporting single SoC or SoC clusters.
- ZCU (Zone Control Unit) Software-hardware integrated vehicle zone computing platform serving as the neural network and I/O hub for centralized E/E architecture, supporting flexible architecture evolution.
- TSN Fusion Full-stack self-developed IP matrix for intelligent network fusion products including TSN vehicle switches and TSN multi-function gateways, enabling microsecond-level deterministic communication for industrial automation and automotive applications.
- AutoCore.Tool Vehicle V-model development lifecycle tool covering design, code generation, testing, and debugging with integrated multi-functional tools forming a closed-loop development ecosystem with unified data model and cloud-native collaboration.
- AutoCore Robot OS Robot operating system based on AutoCore.OS with dual-kernel design supporting hard real-time applications and high real-time capabilities, fully compatible with the ROS ecosystem.
- AutoRobo Production-ready robot core controller with all-in-one hardware-software integration. Based on dual-kernel heterogeneous computing architecture, it bridges prototype to commercial deployment with microsecond-level EtherCAT control precision for AMR, AGV, and embodied intelligence robots.
- ADrive Series Open-source L4 autonomous driving production series including ADrive.Port, ADrive.Mine, ADrive.Park, ADrive.Logistics, and ADrive.AGV for ports, mines, parks, logistics, and AGV scenarios, achieving industrial-grade 7x24 stable operation.
- AutoMinds Industrial automation control software platform for PLC, DCS, and intelligent controllers providing a full-stack independently controllable software foundation with 1ms hard real-time control, multi-protocol SOA industrial communication, and native edge AI support.
- AutoForge AI-native, model-driven software engineering SaaS platform using multi-agent collaboration technology to construct a single consistent system model, replacing document-centric V-model development with 300%-500% efficiency improvement.
- AMR Solution Cloud-edge-end integrated autonomous mobile robot solution providing one-stop AMR system with pre-integrated optimized algorithms for warehouse logistics, intelligent manufacturing, hospital logistics, and similar scenarios.
- AGV Solution Turn-key AGV system solution with standardized underlying technology, pre-integrated optimized AGV algorithms, and customized hardware design for fixed-path material handling scenarios.
- Embodied Intelligence Robot Solution Full-stack embodied intelligence robot solution using a brain+cerebellum architecture with VLA/VLM model support and depth-optimized large model technology for complex robot operations.
- Robot SaaS Robot device lifecycle management service including registration, status monitoring, OTA updates, remote diagnostics, data collection, and analysis for robot mass production and operations.
Companies that use AutoCore
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
AutoCore technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability13 records
Feature12 records
AutoCore partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- CARIAD China (大众汽车集团软件能力中心)coreAutoCore and CARIAD China established a deep strategic partnership focused on developing the core software platform for Volkswagen Group's CEA (China Electronic Architecture) version 2.0. AutoCore contributes its ASIL-D certified functional safety technology to support CEA architecture's intelligent function development and iteration efficiency.
- China Mobile (中国移动)majorAutoCore, China Mobile, and Alibaba Group formed a global strategic partnership centered on AutoForge, integrating China Mobile's global network infrastructure and Alibaba's cloud computing and AI capabilities to provide one-stop, compliant, collaborative AI-native software engineering solutions for Chinese companies going global.
- Alibaba GroupmajorAlibaba Group partnered with AutoCore and China Mobile to provide cloud computing and AI capabilities for AutoForge, enabling Chinese enterprises to access globally compliant AI-native software engineering infrastructure for international expansion.
- InkAi Ltd.majorAutoCore and InkAi formed a strategic partnership to accelerate global deployment of robust, open, and scalable autonomous systems for smart ports, smart cities, and connected industrial verticals. InkAi brings spatial AI digital infrastructure while AutoCore provides automotive-grade intelligent mobility platforms including the ADrive System.
- STMicroelectronics (意法半导体)coreST and AutoCore formed a deep strategic partnership and jointly launched an innovative Ethernet-based ZCU distributed audio solution for next-generation zonal vehicle architectures. ST provides hardware design and底层 software platform while AutoCore contributes its TSN protocol stack. The collaboration aims to explore more intelligent mobility computing applications.
- Qualcomm TechnologiescoreAutoCore collaborated with Qualcomm and Advantech to launch the next-generation robot platform at CES 2026, based on Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-9075 platform. AutoCore.OS was showcased as the production-grade robot software platform on Qualcomm's platform at Embedded World 2026. The companies also demonstrated an embodied robot solution at Embedded World 2026.
- Advantech (研华科技)majorAdvantech partnered with AutoCore and Qualcomm to launch the AFE-A503 robot control platform based on Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-9075, targeting industrial-grade, production-ready robot deployment. AutoCore provides the AutoCore.OS robot software platform for this integrated solution.
- Figure AImajorAutoCore joined Qualcomm's robotics ecosystem alongside Figure AI, Kuka Robotics, Advantech, Booster, and others at CES 2026 to build an ecosystem for deployment-ready robotics solutions. Qualcomm collaborated with Figure to define next-generation compute architecture for humanoid platforms.
- Rockchip (瑞芯微电子)majorAutoCore partnered with Rockchip and BeiQi Technology to launch the AutoRobo domestic robot platform based on RK3588+RK1828 computing cards, providing fully domestic, independently-developed, mass-production-ready robot solutions from chip to hardware to software stack.
- BeiQi Technology (贝启科技)majorBeiQi Technology partnered with AutoCore and Rockchip to provide professional hardware customization services and system integration for the AutoRobo domestic robot platform, ensuring hardware platform reliability.
- TenstorrentmajorAutoCore and Tenstorrent formed a strategic partnership to deeply integrate AutoCore's production-verified automotive software platform with Tenstorrent's TT-Ascalon RISC-V CPU cores, providing scalable, open-standard next-generation computing architecture for global automotive OEMs.
- BrightDrive DWC LLC (Brightskies subsidiary)majorAutoCore signed an MoU with BrightDrive, a Dubai-based autonomous transportation company and subsidiary of Brightskies, to integrate AutoCore's SDV platform into BrightDrive's proprietary ADAS and AD technologies for commercial fleet solutions in the Middle East.
- Toyota Tsusho Nexty ElectronicsmajorToyota Tsusho Nexty Electronics (Shanghai and Dalian) partnered with AutoCore to promote reliable SDV electronic/electrical solutions. Nexty Electronics, a core member of Toyota Tsusho's electronics business, leverages its global network to introduce AutoCore's software-defined vehicle platform to the automotive market.
- BlackBerry QNXcoreAutoCore partnered with BlackBerry QNX to provide innovative autonomous driving middleware and applications. The combination of AutoCore's middleware with QNX Neutrino RTOS and QNX Hypervisor virtualization platform delivers scalable, safety-certified, high-performance solutions for Tier 1 and OEM customers.
- Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST)minorAutoCore and MUST established the Open Intelligent Electrical Vehicle Research Center (OIEV RC), building upon three open platforms: open hardware EV platform, open software EV platform, and open computing EV platform.
- Foxconn / MIH Open PlatformcoreAutoCore serves as a core partner in Foxconn's MIH EV Kit open platform, contributing foundational automotive software for next-generation EVs. This is a key strategic relationship for AutoCore's automotive market penetration.
- Tier IVcoreTier IV, the Japanese company that founded and leads the global open-source Autoware project, partnered with AutoCore to develop scalable, high-performance, functional-safety-compliant middleware for autonomous vehicles and mobile robots on heterogeneous computing platforms. AutoCore is a founding premier member of the Autoware Foundation.
- ADLINK Technology (凌华科技)majorADLINK, a global leader in edge computing, partnered with AutoCore and Tier IV to deliver scalable, high-performance, functional-safety-compliant middleware platforms for autonomous vehicles and mobile robots using heterogeneous computing.
- NXP SemiconductorscoreAutoCore was invited as NXP's Gold Partner in June 2020, collaborating on next-generation intelligent automotive technology. The partnership includes joint development of the first open-source autonomous driving developer platform (PCU) and AutoCore's participation in the Autoware autonomous driving foundation.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
AutoCore competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Elektrobit: Elektrobit is a Continental AG subsidiary providing automotive embedded software, middleware, and AUTOSAR solutions. Directly competes with AutoCore.OS in functional safety middleware, communication stacks, and SDV platforms for global OEMs and Tier-1s, with significantly larger installed base and engineering resources.
- ETAS (Bosch): ETAS is a Bosch subsidiary providing automotive middleware, basic software, and AUTOSAR solutions. Directly competes with AutoCore in safety-certified in-vehicle middleware, while also being connected to AutoCore through Bosch Ventures' investment in the company — creating an inherent competitive tension.
- Apex.AI: Apex.AI provides safety-certified middleware and operating systems for autonomous vehicles and robotics, including Apex.OS (ISO 26262 ASIL-D certified). Directly competes with AutoCore.OS in the safety-certified automotive and robotics middleware category, with strong positioning in Western OEMs.
- Vector Informatik: Vector Informatik is a leading provider of automotive software tools, AUTOSAR basic software, and embedded middleware for OEMs and Tier-1s globally. Competes with AutoCore in communication stacks, middleware, and SDV development tooling across the global automotive value chain.
- Real-Time Innovations (RTI): RTI is a leading provider of DDS (Data Distribution Service) middleware for autonomous systems, industrial, and medical applications. Directly competes with AutoCore.DDS in safety-critical, high-performance publish-subscribe communication for autonomous vehicles and robotics.
Broad incumbents
- Wind River Systems: Wind River provides embedded real-time operating systems and middleware for automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. Competes with AutoCore in safety-critical RTOS and middleware for SDV and industrial control, with broader portfolio across multiple industries.
- BlackBerry QNX: BlackBerry QNX provides safety-certified RTOS and hypervisor for automotive and embedded systems. AutoCore partners with QNX for integrated middleware+RTOS solutions but QNX's broader automotive middleware and safety-certified platform portfolio represents direct and adjacent competition.
Emerging players
- Tier IV: Tier IV is the Japanese company behind the open-source Autoware autonomous driving project and a co-founder of the Autoware Foundation alongside AutoCore. Tier IV and AutoCore are both founding premier members of the Autoware Foundation and collaborate on middleware for autonomous vehicles and robots.
Regional players
- ADLINK Technology: ADLINK is a Taiwanese edge computing company partnering with Tier IV and AutoCore on autonomous vehicle and robotics middleware platforms. ADLINK provides edge computing hardware and software that competes and complements AutoCore's robotics platform offerings in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Horizon Robotics: Horizon Robotics is a Chinese AI chip and autonomous driving solution provider for automotive OEMs. While primarily a chip/algorithm vendor rather than a middleware pure-play, it represents a vertically integrated competitor in the Chinese automotive intelligence stack where AutoCore also competes for OEM software design wins.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
AutoCore social profiles
Digital presenceAutoCore compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
AutoCore financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AutoCore leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
AutoCore funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors13 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AutoCore M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AutoCore
What does AutoCore do?
AutoCore develops and licenses an intelligent mobility computing software platform (AutoCore.OS) and supporting full-stack communication middleware (AutoCore.COMM, DDS, TSN, SOME/IP) for next-generation automotive E/E architectures, software-defined vehicles (SDV), industrial automation, and robotics. The company also offers integrated CCU/ZCU solutions, an AI-native software engineering SaaS platform (AutoForge), and production-ready robot core controllers (AutoRobo).
Is AutoCore a public or private company?
AutoCore is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was AutoCore founded?
AutoCore was founded in 2018. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is AutoCore based?
AutoCore is headquartered in Nanjing, China, in the Asia region.
How does AutoCore make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Software Platform Licensing is the primary driver. The others are algorithm and Application Software Authorization, engineering Services, robot Hardware and Software Platform and saaS Services (AutoForge, Robot SaaS).
Who are AutoCore's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Elektrobit, ETAS (Bosch), Apex.AI, Vector Informatik and Real-Time Innovations (RTI). Broad incumbents are Wind River Systems and BlackBerry QNX. Tier IV is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are ADLINK Technology and Horizon Robotics.
Does AutoCore have an API?
No public API is recorded for AutoCore.
What industry is AutoCore in?
AutoCore's product category is Automotive Middleware & SDV Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHAFAE, Embedded Software & Firmware Tools (Compilers, Debug, RTOS tooling), with a secondary code of IMAGABAG, Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7372.