ComfortDelGro Corporation is set to boost its autonomous vehicle (AV) capabilities by investing US$4 million (S$5.4 million) in Ottopia – an Israeli software company based in Tel Aviv that develops teleoperation software for such vehicles.
The investment, which will be made through the Group’s US$100 million venture capital fund, is the largest in Ottopia’s Series A funding round.
Ottopia’s teleoperation technology is unique in its ability to remotely assist, guide and safely control fleets of autonomous vehicles. Its software can be integrated into the Group’s future AV Operations Centre, making it an essential tool that would enable the adoption of AV technology in smart urban mobility.
This investment is part of the Group’s strategy to grow the business especially in the core land transport areas of smart urban mobility, fleet electrification, automotive engineering technologies, as well as adjacent disciplines such as clean technology, smart logistics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and robotics.
Said Mr Cheng Siak Kian, MD/Group CEO of ComfortDelGro: “This investment in Ottopia is an important cornerstone of our future-proofing plans. Having teleoperation capabilities which will enable us to intervene and operate an AV remotely whenever needed, is critical in our future operational plans.”
Mr Amit Rosenzweig, CEO and Founder of Ottopia said: “We are thrilled to have the support of one of the world’s largest land transport companies as we continue to develop our teleoperation software platform. This funding will enable us to accelerate the development and roll-out of our teleoperation software, as well as expand the team to continue pushing the boundaries of autonomy.”
