We envision a future where autonomous and software-defined vehicles operate seamlessly and safely, revolutionizing mobility across the globe. Our mission is to accelerate this transition by delivering software solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, real-time performance, and certification required for commercial and critical automotive applications.
By transforming open-source robotics software into certified, developer-friendly platforms, we empower automotive innovators to build next-generation autonomous systems. Our commitment to functional safety, scalability, and robust middleware lays the foundation for a new era of intelligent vehicles and smart machines, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world deployment.
Through global collaboration and continuous innovation, we strive to pioneer software that drives the future of mobility — enabling vehicles not only to move but to think, sense, and interact safely within complex environments for the benefit of society.
Our Review
When we first encountered Apex.AI, what caught our attention wasn't just their impressive client roster (think Toyota, Daimler Truck, and Volvo) – it was their clever approach to solving one of autonomous driving's biggest headaches: making open-source software ready for prime time in safety-critical systems.
A Smart Take on Safety
Here's what makes Apex.AI particularly interesting: they've taken the popular Robot Operating System (ROS) and transformed it into something that can actually run in commercial vehicles. Their flagship product, Apex.Grace, is essentially ROS's sophisticated cousin who went to finishing school – it's more reliable, safety-certified, and ready for the real world.
What we found most impressive is how they've managed to preserve the developer-friendly aspects of open-source while meeting the stringent safety standards that automotive companies demand. That's no small feat in an industry where a single software glitch can have serious consequences.
Where They Really Shine
The company's middleware solutions are particularly noteworthy. Their high-speed communication system, built on Eclipse iceoryx, handles the complex data flow between sensors, computers, and cloud systems that modern vehicles require. It's like they've built the nervous system for autonomous vehicles.
We're also impressed by their global reach – with offices from Silicon Valley to Seoul – and how they've attracted over $75 million in funding from serious players in the automotive world. That's a strong vote of confidence in their approach.
Who Should Take Notice
If you're in automotive software development, especially working on autonomous systems or ADAS, Apex.AI should definitely be on your radar. They're particularly valuable for teams that love the flexibility of open-source but need something that can actually go into production vehicles.
While they're not the only player in the autonomous vehicle software space, they've carved out a unique position by bridging the gap between open-source innovation and commercial-grade reliability. It's this practical approach to a complex problem that makes them worth watching.
Features
Apex.Grace: Safety-certified meta-operating system for autonomous systems
Apex.Middleware: High-speed, fault-tolerant communication middleware
Apex.Ida: Fast, reliable data flow across sensor, compute, and cloud systems
Apex.OS for V&V: Data recording and replay system for testing and validation
Expert services and AI-powered tools for autonomous mobility software development
FAQs
Ploy was founded in 2024.
Apex.AI is an international software company specializing in the development of safety-certified, developer-friendly, and scalable software for mobility systems, aiming to accelerate the transition to software-defined vehicles and mobility. Founded in 2017 by Jan Becker and Dejan Pangercic, the company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in Munich, Stuttgart, Gothenburg, Tokyo, and Pangyo. To date, Apex.AI has raised over $75 million USD from world-class venture, financial and strategic investors including AGCO, Airbus Ventures, Canaan, Continental AG, Daimler Truck, HELLA Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion Ventures, LG Electronics, Lightspeed, Orillion, Toyota Ventures, Volvo Group Venture Capital and ZF. Our software products are based on proven open-source software, such as ROS or Eclipse iceoryx. We fork software that has been developed and proven in use by large developer communities. We then add what is missing: Functional safety, flawless performance, and support for application in commercial and safety-critical products. In order to do so, we have developed a proprietary process to rework open-source software in record time such that it conforms to the highest requirements of the applicable functional safety standard. Distinguished by our experienced and agile team, we bring in the right pedigree: Expertise in modern software engineering to build software that scales, leading know-how in software functional safety, experience bringing software to market, and twenty-plus years of experience building autonomous systems. We launched our award-winning first product Apex.Grace, formerly known as Apex.OS in 2020 and have taken it through certification in record time for launch in 2021. We enable software-defined vehicles. Learn more about us at www.apex.ai
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