[231117] #KargoBot #Hyundai #Hesai

1. Didi’s autonomous trucking business KargoBot to drive solo following RMB 450 million investment

• • KargoBot, a Didi-owned autonomous trucking company, will become an independently operated business after securing over RMB 450 million (USD 61.8 million) in investment from Erdos Group and undisclosed investors.
  • The move follows Didi’s recent investment of up to USD 1.49 billion, led by GAC Group, and is driven by the specialized nature of long-haul logistics, providing KargoBot with flexibility in financing and external partnerships.
  • KargoBot, initiated in 2021 and officially launched in April, focuses on autonomous freight to address the challenges in bulk logistics and the demand-supply gap for freight drivers.
  • Didi announced Level 4 autonomous driving expansion into long-haul logistics through KargoBot in April, with initial operations planned between Northwest and North China.
  • On October 10, KargoBot deployed its first batch of Level 4 autonomous trucks and obtained a permit for public road testing in Beijing.
  • The company uses a “hybrid intelligence approach,” where one truck driver controls 2–6 vehicles, enhancing logistical efficiency across various scenarios, including short, medium, and long-haul routes.

2. Hyundai examines unit’s delay in deploying autonomous driving

• • Hyundai Motor conducted an internal investigation into its autonomous vehicle unit due to delays in deploying the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP), a Level 3 self-driving system.
  • The investigation aims to determine the cause of the delay in implementing HDP technology, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel under specific conditions.
  • The delayed deployment of Level 3 technology into large-sized sedans like G90 prompted the investigation.
  • Global automakers, including Mercedes Benz AG, have successfully deployed HDP systems in their vehicles, making it a significant milestone toward fully autonomous driving.
  • Hyundai’s autonomous vehicle unit recently underwent a minor senior reshuffle and restructuring, which the company attributes to common shifts in personnel and organizational arrangements within the unit.
  • Hyundai Motor Group, the parent company of Hyundai Motor, is expected to accelerate technology development through its affiliates, with Motional (a joint venture with Aptiv PLC) working on IONIQ 5-based robotaxi services in the United States.
  • Hyundai Motor Group previously announced a substantial investment of 4.3 trillion won ($3.27 billion) in new technology, including autonomous driving.

3. Hesai Announces Automotive Lidar Design Win for Multiple Series Production Vehicles with Great Wall Motors

• • Hesai Technology announced a lidar design win with Great Wall Motors (GWM) for multiple passenger vehicle models.
  • GWM will equip Hesai’s ultra-high resolution long-range lidar, AT128, with mass production and delivery starting in 2024.
  • Lidar is considered a critical sensor for smart vehicles, offering 3D perception capability with high reliability and is unaffected by changes in ambient light.
  • GWM’s urban NOH (New Energy and Intelligent Connected Vehicle), based on a perception-focused approach, incorporates advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
  • Hesai AT128 will be a key sensor for GWM’s series production vehicles, working alongside GWM’s high computational power and ADAS computing platform IDC3.0 to meet intelligent driving requirements in various road scenarios.
  • GWM is a major Chinese automaker with comprehensive R&D capabilities in both software and hardware for intelligent driving systems, deployed in over 20 vehicle models.
  • Hesai, working with 14 OEMs and Tier-1 clients, has secured lidar design wins for over 50 series production vehicle programs.
  • The collaboration aims to advance intelligent driving through perception technology, enhancing the smart travel experience for consumers globally.

4. BMW to launch hands-off driving system in Germany from 2024

• • BMW’s latest 7 Series luxury sedan in Germany will offer ‘Level Three’ semi-autonomous driving software from March 2024.
  • The Level Three system allows hands-off-the-wheel and eyes-away-from-the-road driving on motorways under specific conditions.
  • The German government approved Level Three technology in December 2021, and Mercedes-Benz introduced a similar system in May 2022.
  • The software can be engaged on motorways at speeds up to 60km/h, allowing drivers to watch videos legally on the central infotainment screen.
  • The package is available as a €6000 ($AU10,000) option for the BMW 7 Series and i7 in Germany.
  • The technology is not yet approved for use in Australia, where Level Three semi-autonomous driving systems are not authorized on public roads.

5. Waymo to Reduce Robotaxi Service in San Francisco During APEC

• • Waymo’s autonomous vehicle service in San Francisco will be adjusted due to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, leading to restricted access and road closures.
  • Waymo is coordinating with local and national agencies to comply with security zones and temporary road closures during the APEC summit.
  • The U.S. Secret Service is overseeing security for the weeklong event, with road closures affecting areas like South of Market, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero, and near the Legion of Honor.
  • The adjustments may impact Waymo’s service, affecting wait times and routing throughout the city during the conference.
  • Waymo’s spokesperson notes that compliance with security measures may disappoint APEC attendees hoping to experience robotaxi rides in San Francisco.