[241101] #Tesla #Gatik #Xpeng

1. Tesla finally unveils self-driving ‘Robotaxi’ – a sleek autonomous coupe due by 2027

• Tesla unveiled its Robotaxi (Cybercab), a sleek, self-driving coupe, along with a Robovan, a self-driving van with seating for 20, at an event in Hollywood.
• Both vehicles feature AI and cameras for autonomous driving, without steering wheels, pedals, or Lidar sensors, and they charge wirelessly.
• Elon Musk expressed confidence in the progress of Full Self-Driving technology, aiming for unsupervised autonomous driving by 2026, where passengers can sleep during trips.
• Cybercabs are expected to cost under $30,000 and become available by 2026 or 2027.
• Tesla will also roll out Full Self-Driving on the Model 3 and Model Y in Texas and California next year.
• The unveiling of the Robotaxi aligns with Musk’s long-standing vision of a robotaxi fleet, though past predictions of autonomous vehicles have proven overly optimistic.
  

2. Autonomous Truck Developer Makes the Safety Case

• The trucking industry is nearing mainstream adoption of autonomous driving, with Gatik leading efforts in Freight-Only operations using SAE Level 4 technology.
• Gatik is partnering with Edge Case Research and TÜV SÜD to independently verify the safety of its autonomous tech, going beyond standard voluntary assessments.
• Gatik has been running driverless Level 4 trucks in states like Arkansas and Kansas, working with Walmart to test shorter delivery routes, gaining insights for scaling operations.
• The company is focusing on middle-mile autonomous deliveries between warehouses and stores, with plans to launch a specialized truck chassis developed with Isuzu by 2027.
• Wider adoption of Level 4 trucking still faces challenges, including state-by-state regulations and the difficulty of expanding autonomous routes across state lines.
• Texas is emerging as a key hub for autonomous trucking, with companies planning major corridors for driverless trucks, including routes between Houston and Dallas.

Gatik is advancing autonomous trucking with Freight-Only Level 4 operations, partnering with third parties for safety verification while expanding middle-mile routes in states like Arkansas and Kansas.

3. Seyond launches lidar-based traffic management platform

• Seyond has launched the Seyond Intersection Management Platform (SIMPL), a traffic optimization solution using lidar technology combined with AI to manage traffic signals dynamically.
• SIMPL monitors and detects road users at intersections, ensuring precise traffic control and real-time data sharing with traffic controllers and smart city platforms.
• In a test in Columbia County, Florida, SIMPL achieved a 99% detection accuracy, outperforming traditional systems like inductive loops, especially in complex traffic situations.
• The system improves traffic flow, enhances safety, and helps identify potential hazards early, benefiting cities with better mobility and traffic safety.
• SIMPL is easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and focuses on data protection by using lidar technology without capturing biometric data.
• The platform uses Falcon K lidar, a high-resolution sensor, and an edge processor to handle real-time data, providing a cost-efficient and future-proof traffic management solution.

4. Robotaxis on the roads: China’s Baidu eyes overseas rollout as autonomous driving race heats up

5. Xpeng gives details about camera-based approach to self-driving with new electric sedan

• Xpeng Motors introduced its new electric sedan, the P7+, which uses a camera-based sensor system instead of expensive lidar, competing with Tesla’s Model 3 and BYD’s Han.
• The P7+ features 26 sensors, mostly cameras with LOFIC technology for better image capturing in difficult lighting conditions, and dual NVIDIA DRIVE Orin chips for advanced driver assistance.
• Xpeng reduced manufacturing costs by 25%, making the P7+ more affordable, with a focus on becoming a top-seller in the second half of the year.
• The P7+ is a sporty, spacious sedan with a driving range of up to 710 kilometers, premium features like heated and ventilated seats, and a competitive price range.
• Xpeng’s ADAS system is expected to offer “door-to-door” automated driving across all Chinese roadways by the fourth quarter of this year.
• The P7+ is part of Xpeng’s shift toward using low-cost cameras for self-driving technology, following the trend set by Tesla.