Helm.ai Unveils Camera-Based Vision System for Self-Driving Cars
- tech360.tv
- Jun 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Helm.ai, backed by Honda Motor, has launched a new camera-based system designed to interpret urban environments for self-driving vehicles.
The system, called Helm.ai Vision, was unveiled Thursday and is being developed for integration into Honda’s upcoming 2026 Zero series of electric vehicles. These vehicles will allow hands-free driving and enable drivers to take their eyes off the road.
Helm.ai is also in discussions with other automakers to license its self-driving technology for mass-market deployment.
“Our business model is essentially licensing this kind of software and also foundation model software to the automakers,” said Helm.ai Chief Executive and founder Vladislav Voroninski.
The California-based startup’s vision-first approach mirrors that of Tesla, which also uses camera-based systems instead of more expensive sensors like lidar and radar.
Although Helm.ai has foundation models compatible with other sensors, its primary focus remains on vision-based technology.
Industry experts note that additional sensors such as radar and lidar are important for safety, especially in low-visibility conditions. Companies like Alphabet’s Waymo and May Mobility use a combination of cameras, radar and lidar for their robotaxi fleets.
Helm.ai Vision merges images from multiple cameras to generate a bird’s-eye view map, enhancing the vehicle’s planning and control systems.
The system is optimised for hardware platforms from companies such as Nvidia and Qualcomm, allowing automakers to integrate it with their existing vehicle systems.
Helm.ai has raised USD 102 million to date, with investors including Goodyear Ventures, Korean auto parts maker Sungwoo HiTech and venture capital firm Amplo.
Source: REUTERS
