[240503] #Horizon Robotics #XPENG #Waabi

1. BYD-Backed Horizon Robotics Unveils Next Generation Auto Chips

• Horizon Robotics, backed by Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD, has revealed its latest generation of auto chips.
• The new chips are designed to power autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
• Horizon Robotics aims to challenge global chip giants like Intel and Nvidia in the rapidly growing market for auto chips.
• The company’s CEO highlights the significance of these chips in enabling more advanced and safer autonomous driving technology.
• Horizon Robotics plans to launch a pilot production line for its new auto chips in the second half of 2024.

2. LG U+ and autonomous driving startup Rideflux signs MOU3

• LG U+ and Rideflux have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop autonomous driving technology.
• The signing ceremony was held at Rideflux’s office in Jeju, and was attended by the head of LG U+’s Corporate Service Development Lab and a representative of Rideflux.
• Rideflux is a company that develops autonomous driving software and launched Korea’s first free-route autonomous driving service and provided the longest autonomous transportation service in Korea, connecting Jeju Airport and Jungmun Tourist Complex.
• Rideflux has proven its technology by successfully demonstrating Level 4 autonomous driving and is competing with global companies such as Waymo and Cruise.
• LG U+ and Rideflux have agreed to develop various technologies applied to autonomous driving. These include remote control, remote driving, dedicated 5G communication for autonomous driving, and quantum security.
• LG U+ will enable driverless cars to arrive at their destination and park in Level 4 autonomous driving markets utilizing dedicated 5G communication technology. This is expected to increase vehicle safety and transportation system efficiency.

3. XPENG to adopt RoboSense’s MX LiDAR for intelligent driving application

• RoboSense has partnered with XPENG, a leading smart electric vehicle company in China.
• The collaboration aims to scale up the production of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) using RoboSense’s next-generation mid-to-long-range LiDAR technology.
• The goal is to enhance safety and convenience in intelligent mobility, making it accessible to more consumers.
• RoboSense’s expertise and production capabilities in LiDAR application provide strong support for XPENG’s efforts to strengthen its position in smart mobility and improve scale efficiency.
• RoboSense has achieved significant success in the automotive intelligence revolution, selling over 400,000 units of its automotive LiDAR and securing mass-production projects in 65 vehicle models from 22 global automakers and Tier 1 suppliers.
• RoboSense’s M-Series LiDAR has already been integrated into multiple XPENG models, including the P7i, G6, G9, and X9, playing a crucial role in XPENG’s XNGP full-scenario intelligent driving assistance system.

4. Autoliv, Hangsheng Electronics team up to boost autonomous driving tech R&D

• Autoliv China signed a strategic cooperation framework and joint R&D agreements with Shenzhen Hangsheng Electronics Co., Ltd. (HSAE).
• Collaboration focuses on automotive electronic control unit (ECU) development and future autonomous driving technology.
• Autoliv China is a subsidiary of global automotive safety supplier Autoliv, Inc., specializing in passive safety systems and mobility safety solutions.
• HSAE, founded in 1993, specializes in developing, manufacturing, and selling automotive electronic products, including infotainment systems, navigation systems, and intelligent traffic & anti-theft systems.
• The collaboration aims to innovate integrated and electronic security solutions and enhance automotive electronics applications across various scenarios.
• The development of integrated solutions for in-cabin systems, especially in autonomous driving era, is crucial.
• Focus on developing automotive electronic control unit (ECU) products to strengthen market positions.

5. Waabi Opens Texas Terminal as Hub for Self-Driving Trucks

• Waabi Innovation inaugurated a terminal in Lancaster, Texas, marking a significant step in its self-driving truck operations.
• The terminal, situated on an 8-acre site near Dallas, is purpose-built for autonomous vehicle trucking, featuring trailer parking, an office, maintenance shop, fueling station, truck weighing scales, and inspection areas.
• Texas holds strategic importance for Waabi due to its shipping corridors and serves as the location for the company’s first commercial operations.
• The CEO, Raquel Urtasun, emphasized the significance of the facility in scaling Waabi’s operations and advancing the autonomous trucking industry.
• Waabi plans to expand its staff in the Dallas area in the coming years, indicating its commitment to growth and development in the region.
• The Texas Trucking Association expressed excitement about Waabi’s expansion, highlighting the state’s commitment to innovation and safety in autonomous trucking.
• The Lancaster terminal will enable Waabi to establish and refine infrastructure, operating processes, and customer services for commercial driverless operations, fostering partnerships with more entities.
• Waabi previously collaborated with Uber Freight in autonomous truck runs between Dallas and Houston, with plans to extend the partnership to additional freight lanes in Texas.