Is it a complete new OS, or a derivative of an existing open source project?

The OS is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and the Board Support Package (BSP) is coming from the SoC manufacturer. On top there is a Security and Safety Things - Framework Layer that is able to manage, control, and execute applications from the Security and Safety Things ecosystem. The Security and Safety Things framework will be partially open source, esp. the components that are differentiating for camera manufacturers. Some components. that are specifically meant for the App ecosystem are closed and will have documented APIs.