[250207] #Li Auto #Qualcomm #Ouster

1. Li Auto CEO Thinks Autonomous Cars Need Lidar in China

• The debate over whether robotaxis need lidar or if cameras alone are sufficient continues, with companies like Tesla advocating for “vision-only” systems, while others use lidar for redundancy and safety.
• Tesla CEO Elon Musk argues lidar adds unnecessary complexity and cost, relying instead on cameras for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, though Tesla’s robotaxis are not yet operational.
• Li Auto CEO Li Xiang contends that lidar is essential, particularly in challenging environments like night driving in China, where hazards such as parked trucks with broken taillights are common.
• Lidar offers a detection range of up to 200 meters, compared to cameras’ 100-meter range, providing an additional safety layer through sensor redundancy.
• Musk’s vision-only approach aims for a universal solution that can operate anywhere once FSD reaches a high enough level, potentially increasing Tesla’s vehicle value and market dominance.
• Critics highlight that combining lidar and cameras enhances safety by compensating for each sensor’s limitations, which is crucial for family-oriented vehicles, as emphasized by Li Auto.
• Tesla’s stock valuation heavily depends on FSD success, but its future competitiveness could be influenced by the progress and cost reductions of lidar-based robotaxi companies.
• The lidar vs. no lidar debate remains unresolved, hinging on advancements in autonomous technology and the scalability of robotaxi operations worldwide.

2. Seattle startup Overland AI lands $32M to help U.S. military with off-road autonomous driving tech

Overland AI raises $32 million to develop autonomous ground vehicles for military applications, enhancing safety in GPS-denied off-road environments.

3. Trimble, Qualcomm partner on positioning tech for autonomous vehicles

• Trimble and Qualcomm have expanded their collaboration to integrate Trimble’s ProPoint Go positioning engine with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2.
• The partnership aims to deliver cm-level positioning accuracy for automated vehicles, supporting Level 2+ and higher automated driving applications.
• The integrated solution will enhance ADAS and C-V2X capabilities for automotive manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers, with availability in vehicles targeted for 2028.
• Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 platform supports Level 3 autonomy, C-V2X solutions, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and high-precision GNSS.
• Trimble’s ProPoint Go engine uses GNSS signal fusion and Trimble correction services to provide precise position, velocity, and time data for safe and reliable automated driving.
• Both companies emphasized the importance of innovation, accuracy, and safety in advancing autonomous driving technologies and enabling higher levels of vehicle autonomy.

4. Ouster BlueCity to Power the Largest Lidar-Enabled Smart Traffic Solution in the United States

5. Pony AI looks for a breakthrough with the first tests in China of autonomous truck platoons

• Pony AI (NASDAQ:PONY) became the first company in China to receive approval for robotruck platooning tests on cross-provincial highways connecting Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei.
• The “1+N” platoon configuration allows only the lead truck to require a safety operator, with following trucks operating autonomously.
• Tests will be conducted on the Beijing-Tianjin-Tanggu Expressway as part of Pony AI’s strategic goal to achieve full autonomy for all following trucks in platoons.
• The company aims to lower logistics costs and accelerate the mass commercialization of autonomous trucking.
• Pony AI has logged over 45,000 kilometers of platooning test mileage and completed nearly 500 TEUs of freight orders.
• Its robotrucks have traveled over 5 million kilometers, transporting more than 860 million freight ton-kilometers as of December 2024.
• Shares of Pony AI rose 0.2% in premarket trading following the announcement.