(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/dogayusufdokdok)

As manufacturers such as Ford seek ways to get ahead in the race towards self-driving cars, Toyota has boosted its own capabilities through acquiring a stake in Tokyo-based machine-learning specialists Preferred Networks. 

Preferred Networks was separated from software developer Preferred Infrastructure in 2014. Since the split, the company has received significant interest from investors and its value has been climbing rapidly. In August, Fanuc Corp. paid 900 million yen for a 6% stake, valuing the venture at 15 billion yen. Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp said in October 2014 it paid 200 million yen for less than 10% of the company. 

Toyota's current plan is to make some of its cars self-driving on highways around 2020. Although the system would still require driver input whilst off the highway, when driving on the highway the system will be able to change lanes, plus enter and exit the highway without driver input. This would be an upgrade to current driver assistance systems – used by Toyota and other car manufacturers – which help drivers to maintain their distance between cars. 

Below you can see our video of a current driver assistance system by Ford we recorded earlier this month: 

Toyota believes their vision aligns with Preferred Networks when it comes to future mobility. In a press release, the company wrote: "Toyota is actively researching and developing a wide-range of technologies that are expected to significantly affect the nature of mobility in the future―including automated driving technologies―with a particular focus on intelligence that assists driving, connectivity and interactivity. The overall goal of these initiatives is to foster the creation of a society in which mobility means safety and freedom." 

"With this shared purpose in mind, Preferred Networks would like to plan and develop new products and services by leveraging its expertise and unique technological capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence, including adopting and expanding on its cutting-edge machine and deep learning technologies in industrial applications. With this investment, the collaboration between Preferred Networks and Toyota in mobility-related businesses will be strengthened." 

Most of the large automakers have ramped-up their investment when it comes to machine-learning technologies and expertise which could help them in deploying self-driving vehicles. Google, Tesla, and Ford have all made notable moves in recent months; including setting-up research centers in Silicon Valley. Toyota announced in November it will also be joining its competitors in California by January, pledging $1 billion for the project over the next five years. 

The next we'll hear about Toyota and Preferred Network's new relationship will be at the Consumer Electronics Shows (CES) in January, where the pair will be demonstrating how artificial intelligence can help teach cars not to crash. 

Do you think Toyota made the right decision in their Preferred Networks investment? Share your thoughts in the comments.

 

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