DIUSAI presents DIUS LAB

Bratislava, 25.5.2026 - Slovak technology company DiusAi is expanding its projects in the field of autonomous mobility. As part of the DIUS LAB project, it has signed a cooperation agreement with the Czech deep-tech company autinno, which specializes in Drive-by-Wire technologies and multimodal perceptual sensor systems for autonomous vehicles. The main ambition of the project is to create a development platform for L4 level autonomous control, which will be integrated into the vehicle. After successful pilot testing and adjustment of the regulatory environment, the vehicle should be deployed in real traffic operations.

The project is being implemented within the DIUS LAB technology laboratory, focused on research into autonomous mobility, artificial intelligence and intelligent transport systems. The development of autonomous algorithms is taking place on a Volkswagen ID.7 vehicle, which DiusAi purchased specifically for development and testing purposes from the Volkswagen Slovakia concern.

"Automated driving and AI will fundamentally change transport and the functioning of mobility in the coming years. A technological change is beginning in the automotive industry, which will be of similar importance to the advent of computers or the Internet. That is why we at DiusAi decided to create the DIUS LAB technology laboratory and start developing our own platform, autonomous algorithms. Slovakia has the know-how, industry and talent to be part of this change. The partnership with the company autinno brings us technological background and experience in this project, which are extremely important in the development of such complex systems."

Patrik Tkáč, CEO of DiusAi

DiusAi was selected by autinno based on its technological know-how in the field of Drive-by-Wire systems, experience with automated mobility and European research background. The Czech company was founded as a spin-off of VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava and is among the European technology companies developing infrastructure for automated driving, teleoperation and smart mobility projects.

"Autinno does not manufacture autonomous vehicles. Our role is to create a safe and reliable technological interface between automation software and the vehicle's serial systems. This is what enables partners like DiusAi to develop their own autonomous systems."

Marek Vanžura, Autinno company

Autinno provides the so-called middleware layer in the project – a technological basis enabling digital vehicle control via the Drive-by-Wire (DbW) system. The solution includes pre-preparation of the vehicle for automated control, including additional cabling, connection of control units and a digital vehicle control system. The technology also allows the automation software to communicate securely with longitudinal and lateral control systems, lighting systems, comfort systems and others.

A team of roboticists and autonomous technology experts from DiusAi is developing the vehicle's own AI stack - a computing system, sensor modules containing LiDAR, cameras, radar, and localization systems, as well as software for perception of the environment, decision-making, and trip planning.

„Pri autonómnom vozidle nestačí len kvalitný softvér alebo senzory. Kľúčové je, aby všetky systémy spolupracovali v reálnom čase bezpečne a spoľahlivo. Práve preto sme hľadali partnera, ktorý má skúsenosti s integráciou Drive-by-Wire technológií v európskom prostredí."

Peter Pasztó, CTO of DiusAi

The entire project is being implemented with an emphasis on safety and compliance with the current legislative framework. Therefore, the test operation of the vehicle in autonomous level L4 mode temporarily allows driving only in defined conditions in the presence of a safety driver, and later with control via a remote operator.

"Autinno's Drive-by-Wire technology allows us to develop towards higher levels of autonomy in the future. However, achieving a fully autonomous L5 level depends on the further development of AI systems, validation processes, safety standards and the regulatory environment."

Martin Smolák, CIO of DiusAi

The development of the autonomous system implemented in the Volkswagen ID.7 will take place in several phases.

The first phase is simulated testing on a jack in the DIUS LAB laboratory, where communication between the vehicle, sensors and AI system is tested without the vehicle moving in a real environment. The correctness of the system's responses, steering, braking and safety mechanisms is verified.

The second phase is data collection during manual driving. In this phase, the vehicle collects data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, and localization systems, which are used to create datasets for training AI models. This is followed by the creation of HD maps of the environment containing lanes, intersections, traffic signs, and other landmarks needed for autonomous driving.

The next stage will be testing on closed circuits, such as kart tracks or specialized test areas, where various traffic situations and safety scenarios will be simulated.

After months of data collection and pilot testing on closed circuits, real-world testing will follow, in accordance with legislative requirements and with the participation of a safety driver. DiusAi will continuously communicate the project with relevant state institutions and partners in the field of transport and regulation.

The safety architecture also includes so-called fallback modes — safety scenarios in which the vehicle automatically switches to safe mode or stops in the event of a non-standard situation.

"Safety is an absolute priority for autonomous systems. The entire system is designed so that a human always has the opportunity to intervene and take control of the vehicle."

Martin Smolák, CIO of DiusAi

The aim of the DIUS LAB project is to develop an autonomous system that, after successful testing, can also be used in other types of vehicles. In the case of Volkswagen Group vehicles, the platform will only work in cooperation with Drive-by-Wire technology from autinno. However, the long-term vision of the project is to create its own solutions for autonomous mobility usable in transport, logistics and smart city systems. After successful testing and meeting legislative conditions, the technology can be ready for pilot operation in real transport.

Financing of the platform development, individual testing phases, and subsequent implementation is provided exclusively by DiusAi.