#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Hesai Technology #Uber #WeRide

Hesai Technology Powers WeRide's Autonomous Fleet in Dubai

Hesai Technology, recognized globally as a leader in lidar technology, has partnered with WeRide to support the deployment of autonomous vehicles in Dubai as part of the city's ambitious 2030 smart mobility initiative. The collaboration signifies a major advancement in the realm of autonomous transportation in the Middle East, promising to transform urban mobility.

This innovative venture will see each autonomous vehicle equipped with four state-of-the-art Hesai automotive-grade long-range lidar units, creating a safe and efficient system to manage self-driving operations. The goal is to convert 25% of all journeys within Dubai into autonomous trips, setting the foundation for a future where smart transport solutions dominate.

WeRide, a pioneer in the autonomous driving sector, made headlines in July 2023 when it became the first entity in the UAE to acquire a national license for self-driving vehicles on public roads, establishing a benchmark for the global autonomous vehicle landscape. Following its successful introduction of a robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi in 2021, the launch in Dubai is a natural progression for WeRide, as expressed by Jennifer Li, the CFO and Head of International Business at the company.

Li emphasized that this initiative not only showcases WeRide's commitment to enhancing mobility solutions in the Middle East but also reflects the company’s global strategic aspirations. By leveraging their advanced autonomous driving technology alongside Uber’s extensive mobility platform, they are poised to serve millions across urban centers worldwide.

In harnessing Hesai’s proven lidar capabilities, WeRide aims to unlock new transport opportunities. Hesai’s CEO, David Li, reaffirmed the importance of their collaboration, highlighting their lidar technology as essential for ensuring safety and reliability in autonomous driving. These technologies are crucial in facilitating the progressive vision for smart transportation in Dubai, which aims to fortify its position as a global leader in this field.

The relationship between Hesai and WeRide dates back to 2019, marking a collaborative effort in integrating lidars into WeRide's autonomous vehicle fleets for extensive road testing and practical operation. Their partnership solidified further in April 2022 with a strategic cooperation agreement focused on deploying automotive-grade hybrid solid-state lidar for L4 autonomous vehicles. A notable achievement from this partnership includes powering China’s inaugural commercial robotaxi service in Guangzhou.

With Hesai’s growth and technology innovation efforts firmly grounded in extensive research and development capacities, they are equipped to respond to evolving market demands. Their lidar solutions cater to various applications, facilitating significant progress in both passenger and commercial vehicle sectors and promoting advancements in robotics applications.

As both companies gear up for the future, they represent a segment of the larger picture in reshaping transportation methodologies. The implications of their groundwork could resonate beyond the Middle East, potentially transforming urban environments globally. With a focused vision and innovative technology driving this new chapter in mobility, the collaboration between Hesai and WeRide stands as an emblem of progress in autonomous driving.

The operational commencement of these autonomous vehicles marks not just a technological milestone but a commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure through revolutionary transport modalities, redefining how people and goods move across cities. As cities worldwide explore similar pathways, the influence of this partnership in Dubai could serve as a compelling case study for future endeavors aimed at achieving smarter, more sustainable urban mobility solutions.