[230630] #Cepton #Pony.ai #Kakao Mobility 

1. Cepton Advances Lidar Solutions Enabling Automatic Emergency Braking

• • Cepton’s lidar technology uses laser beams to create detailed 3D maps of the surroundings, allowing vehicles to detect and avoid obstacles in real-time.
  • The company has developed an AEB solution that combines its advanced lidar sensors with artificial intelligence algorithms to enable rapid and accurate object detection.
  • Cepton’s AEB technology has been integrated into a leading automotive manufacturer’s production vehicle platform, providing enhanced safety features.
  • The system is designed to detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, triggering automatic emergency braking when a potential collision is detected.
  • By incorporating Cepton’s lidar technology, vehicles can achieve higher levels of autonomy and improve safety in various driving scenarios.

2. Zoox begins testing robotaxis on public roads in Las Vegas

• • Zoox has received a permit from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to operate its autonomous vehicles on public roads.
  • The company’s robotaxis are fully electric and designed for shared mobility, offering seating for up to four passengers.
  • Zoox’s vehicles are equipped with an array of sensors, including lidar, radar, and cameras, to navigate and detect their surroundings.
  • The testing in Las Vegas will focus on various scenarios, including day and night driving, complex intersections, and pedestrian interactions.
  • Zoox aims to collect data and refine its autonomous driving system to enhance safety and performance.

3. Pony.ai, Jinjiang Taxi reach deal on robotaxi services

• • Pony.ai and Jinjiang Taxi have partnered to launch driverless robotaxi services in Jiading District, China.
  • The services are available to the public on open testing roads in the district.
  • Pony.ai provides autonomous driving technology solutions, while Jinjiang Taxi handles daily operations and fleet management.
  • Over 220 stations for autonomous vehicles have been established within the robotaxi service zone, covering major venues in the district.
  • Pony.ai has previously launched similar robotaxi services in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, benefiting over 60,000 consumers with 1 million orders.

4. Kakao Mobility to develop EV, self-driving tech with Vietnam’s Vingroup

• • Kakao Mobility, a South Korean company, has partnered with Vietnam’s Vingroup JSC and Southeast Asia’s FPT for collaboration in electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving technology.
  • Kakao Mobility will contribute high-precision maps for self-driving services, while Vingroup will assist in the production of eco-friendly EVs and charging station infrastructure.
  • Kakao Mobility also discussed technology exchange, personnel cooperation, and startup investment with FPT, a major ICT company in Southeast Asia.
  • The collaboration aims to establish long-term cooperation systems, including industrial-academia links with universities in Vietnam.
  • Kakao Mobility sees the partnership with Vingroup and FPT as significant for representing Korean ICT companies and discussing cooperation plans.

5. Chinese self-driving truck startup Qingtian Truck to shut down

• • Chinese autonomous truck startup Qingtian Truck, founded by former engineers from Pony.ai, is shutting down.
  • The company informed employees about the orderly liquidation of its assets and employees are not required to report to the office.
  • Co-founder Sun Youhan, previously a tech lead at Pony.ai, departed in May, which may have contributed to the decision to shut down.
  • Qingtian Truck was founded in November 2021 and received angel funding from 5Y Capital last year.
  • Pony.ai previously filed a lawsuit against Qingtian Truck for alleged intellectual property infringement, but the companies recently announced a settlement.