#China #Shanghai #Hesai Group #Pony.ai #AT128 Lidar

Hesai Group and Pony.ai: A Partnership to Redefine Autonomous Driving

In a significant step for the autonomous mobility sector, Hesai Group (Nasdaq: HSAI), a frontrunner in lidar technology, has announced that its AT128 lidar sensors will be integrated as the primary lidar solution in the newest seventh-generation Robotaxis developed by Pony.ai Inc. (Nasdaq: PONY). This partnership, revealed during the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, highlights both companies' commitment to advancing the capabilities of autonomous vehicles.

A Revolutionary Partnership

Hesai's AT128 lidar will be utilized in all three mass production models of Pony.ai's Robotaxi, showcasing the sensor's pivotal role in facilitating reliable autonomous driving. David Li, co-founder and CEO of Hesai, expressed pride in their collaboration, emphasizing the strategic importance of their lidar technology in powering one of the most sophisticated autonomous driving platforms available today.

The integration of these sensors marks a pivotal milestone for Pony.ai as it prepares its next-generation autonomous fleet for scaled production and extensive road testing. The AT128's advanced sensing capabilities are critical for the development of vehicles that promise to navigate complex urban environments safely and efficiently.

Cutting-Edge Technology for the Future

The AT128 lidar is renowned for its remarkable specifications: it provides a 120° ultra-high-resolution field of view and has a detection range that extends up to 200 meters. Additionally, the sensor can process an impressive 1.53 million data points per second, enabling comprehensive environmental awareness and obstacle detection. This technology ensures that the Robotaxis can navigate even the most intricate traffic scenarios, setting new standards for safety in the autonomous driving industry.

Pony.ai's new Robotaxi fleet leverages a state-of-the-art autonomous driving system that boasts a 100% automotive-grade architecture and a modular design that allows for adaptability across various vehicle models. Impressively, the new system has decreased bill-of-materials costs by 70% compared to its previous generation, making it a financially viable option for large-scale deployment.

In terms of performance, the Robotaxi fleet has already amassed over 500,000 hours of fully autonomous driving—demonstrating an extraordinary tenfold increase in safety when compared to human drivers. This achievement underscores Pony.ai's commitment to not only innovation but the safety of its passengers.

Continued Investment in the Future

As the partnership between Hesai and Pony.ai continues to evolve, it underscores Hesai's commitment to pushing the boundaries of lidar technology. The company is making significant investments in research and development to enhance its next-gen lidar solutions, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the autonomous driving industry.

Both companies are focused on delivering cutting-edge technology that empowers the safety and efficiency of intelligent mobility solutions. As they work hand-in-hand to complete the road-testing of their unique Robotaxi models, the future of autonomous vehicle technology looks promising. Together, Hesai and Pony.ai are not just building vehicles; they are paving the way for the future of transportation.

In conclusion, the decision to utilize Hesai's AT128 lidar in Pony.ai's next-generation Robotaxis is a testament to the progress and possibilities within the autonomous driving field. As these innovations hit the roads, it will be fascinating to observe their impact on urban mobility and the transportation landscape at large.