ototo

Ototo develops a Symbolic AI (SAI) foundation model aimed at advancing autonomous driving. The company's technology mirrors human reasoning to handle complex, long-tail road scenarios that challenge traditional machine learning systems. Ototo's research and development began in 2017, leading to the company's founding in stealth mode in 2021 by co-founders Ron Maor (CEO) and Hagar Livneh (CPO). The company officially launched in 2023, having secured deep-tech VC funding. Ron Maor is a serial entrepreneur and mathematician with 13 patents, including one for in-camera red-eye removal. Hagar Livneh has a background in both technology and business, including experience at a major German OEM and as a consultant for a deep-tech venture fund.

The core of Ototo's product is a lightweight, data-efficient SAI model that provides a complete prediction and planning layer for autonomous systems. It is designed to be perception-agnostic, integrating with various system components to support all levels of autonomy (L2-L5). The model focuses on three capabilities: predicting the evolution of a scene and intent of other agents, planning an optimal and human-like path, and providing explainable real-time reasoning for its decisions. This approach is intended to improve safety, efficiency, and comfort in autonomous vehicle operation. Ototo's business model involves partnering with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology providers to enhance system capabilities and transform AD components into full-stack solutions. For robotaxi and ride-hailing platforms, the technology aims to reduce the need for remote human intervention by handling edge cases in real-time. The company has offices in London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

Keywords: Symbolic AI, autonomous driving, path planning, prediction engine, foundation model, automotive technology, long-tail scenarios, explainable AI, ADAS, mobility tech, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, machine learning, perception-agnostic, robotaxis, ride-hailing, OEM, Tier 1 suppliers