[241018] #WeRide #Liebherr #Arbe

1. Uber, Chinese self-driving tech startup announce partnership to launch robotaxis in UAE

• Uber and WeRide have partnered to introduce WeRide’s autonomous vehicles on Uber’s rideshare platform, starting in the UAE.
• This marks WeRide’s first collaboration with a global ride-hailing platform and helps Uber integrate robotaxis into its services.
• The partnership is set to launch in Abu Dhabi later this year, following WeRide’s receipt of the UAE’s first national license for self-driving vehicles.
• Uber also expanded partnerships with Waymo and Cruise to bring robotaxis to U.S. cities like Austin and Atlanta.
• WeRide’s U.S. IPO, valued at up to $5 billion, has been delayed as it works to complete necessary documentation.
• The Biden administration has proposed restrictions on testing self-driving cars in the U.S. by Chinese automakers, which may affect WeRide’s future operations.

2. Fortescue & Liebherr sign $2.8 billion deal

• Liebherr and Fortescue have signed a $2.8 billion deal to deliver 475 electric vehicles to Fortescue’s mining operations in Western Australia.
• The deal includes 360 autonomous electric trucks, 55 electric excavators, and 60 electric dozers, expanding their collaboration on zero-emission mining technology.
• The centerpiece of the deal is the T 264 autonomous battery-electric mining truck, featuring Fortescue Zero’s battery system and the Autonomous Haulage Solution (AHS).
• Fortescue’s first deployment of operational autonomous trucks is expected in Q1 2025, with 360 autonomy-ready trucks to be progressively rolled out.
• The AHS includes an Energy Management System to coordinate truck charging and avoid delays, with fast charging solutions capable of charging the T 264 in 30 minutes.
• Fortescue’s goal is to validate the fully autonomous battery-electric solution by early 2026, reducing carbon emissions and improving mining efficiency.
• The order also includes 60 electric PR 775 mining dozers and 55 R 9400 E electric excavators, with some already operational at Fortescue sites.

Liebherr and Fortescue have signed a $2.8 billion deal to deliver 475 electric vehicles, including 360 autonomous trucks, to Fortescue’s mining operations in Western Australia, advancing zero-emission mining.

3. Bot Auto Secures $20M in Pre-A Funding to Commercially Deploy Autonomous Trucking

• Bot Auto, based in Houston, raised $20 million in an oversubscribed Pre-A funding round led by prominent domestic and international investors.
• The investment will support Bot Auto’s development of next-generation autonomous trucking technology, focusing on safety and operational efficiency.
• The Bot Auto team consists of experienced autonomous vehicle executives and top engineering talent, aiming to leverage cutting-edge AI technology.
• Founder and CEO Dr. Xiaodi Hou emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing autonomous trucking and its promising commercialization prospects.
• The funds will be used to develop technology while avoiding premature scaling, unnecessary hiring, and over-expansion.
• Bot Auto’s vision aligns with Houston’s pioneering spirit, aiming to make significant contributions to the US autonomous trucking industry and a more sustainable future.

4. Tesla Full Self-Driving third-party testing shows ridiculous 13 miles between interventions

5.Arbe’s Tier-1 HiRain Develops Radar-Based ADAS System, Replacing LiDAR for Car Automaker

• Arbe Robotics and HiRain Technologies are developing an ADAS system for a Chinese automaker using Arbe’s radar chipset, integrating camera and radar fusion, without LiDAR, while maintaining the same quality and functionality.
• The ADAS system is expected to enter serial production by Q4 2025, pending final OEM approval.
• HiRain has been conducting a rigorous data collection phase covering 1 million kilometers using vehicles equipped with LRR610 Imaging Radars developed from the Arbe chipset.
• The LRR610 radars, powered by Arbe’s 48 Tx and 48 Rx channels, provide ultra-high resolution imaging, enhancing sensor fusion and perception capabilities.
• The collaboration aims to deliver advanced ADAS systems at a consumer-friendly price, improving automotive safety and functionality.