TomTom has acquired Autonomos, a Berlin-based autonomous driving start-up, which has provided research and development consultancy services for automated vehicle assistance systems.

It has also built up expertise and technologies in the process, including a full demonstration-level autonomous driving software stack, 3D sensor technology and digital image processing.

The company was established in 2012 after the founders had worked for several years in successful autonomous driving research projects at the Free University of Berlin.

The acquisition of Autonomos aims to advance TomTom’s map-based products for autonomous driving applications. “This is an important development for TomTom as it will help us to continue to strengthen our capabilities for the future of driving and expand our knowledge and expertise,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO and co-founder of TomTom. “With this deal we are further positioning ourselves as one of the leaders in autonomous driving.

Tinosch Ganjineh, CEO and co-founder of Autonomos, said: “We are proud to have been selected by the world leader in map making for bringing autonomous driving together to the next level.

“TomTom’s technology combined with our intelligent driving know-how are a perfect match to make the dream of self-driving cars become a reality.”

No further details of the acquisition are disclosed.