Rivian, a U.S.-based electric vehicle maker known for its premium electric trucks, SUVs, and delivery vans, has made a bold new claim about the future of driving. The company, which focuses heavily on advanced software and clean-energy technology, says its cars could become so autonomous that owners won’t even need to be inside them. 

According to CEO RJ Scaringe, Rivian aims to reach this level of full driverless capability by 2030, allowing vehicles to run errands, pick up friends, and travel completely on their own.

Steps Toward Full Autonomy

Scaringe explains that Rivian’s next major features include “hands-off everywhere” driving and point-to-point navigation similar to Tesla’s FSD. These systems will still require driver attention at first. But he believes that soon after, cars will no longer need monitoring. By 2028 or 2029, he suggests Rivian vehicles could complete solo trips while owners stay at home.

Why This Matters

Robotaxis like Waymo already drive without humans in certain cities, showing how quickly the field is advancing. Driver-assist systems such as GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) allow hands-free driving but still depend on human supervision. 

The challenge now is to make fully driverless technology safe, affordable, and available in everyday cars. Whoever achieves this first will gain a huge advantage, giving people extra time to rest, work, or relax while commuting.

Tesla’s Driverless Claims

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is also pushing hard toward this goal. According to Reuters, Tesla is testing fully driverless Model Y vehicles in Austin and aims to deliver the first units by June. Musk says these cars will operate with no driver involvement. Further reports say that Tesla will soon launch unsupervised FSD in Austin, allowing vehicles to navigate without human monitoring. These updates show that Tesla remains a major competitor in the race toward full autonomy.

Major Challenges for Autonomous Cars

Developing safe and reliable driverless cars has proven far harder than early predictions suggested. Many challenges remain, including safety validation, rare road scenarios, and regulatory approval. Still, rapid progress in AI is pushing the industry forward. 

Old rule-based approaches are being replaced with AI models that learn, adapt, and generalize better. With Rivian, Tesla, GM, and Waymo all improving their autonomous systems, the dream of personal driverless cars is closer than ever, though not guaranteed.

Read More:

• AGIBOT Hits 5000-Unit Milestone, Fueling China’s Humanoid Robotics
• Leaked Video Exposes Tesla’s Robot Secret: Was Optimus Being Remote-Controlled?
• A Collector’s Dream Phone: Realme 15 Pro GoT Edition Drops at Giztop for Just $499

(via)

The post Say Goodbye to Driving: Rivian CEO Says Cars Will Soon Run Errands Without You appeared first on Gizmochina.

Elon Musk pulled the curtain back on a new, electric, autonomous vehicle at Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles on Thursday night. Called the Robovan, it is a prototype that’s roughly the size of a bus and is designed for transporting people and goods within high-density areas.

According to Musk, the Robovan is capable of carrying up to 20 passengers or cargo. The Robovan also has a distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic, like the Tesla Cybercab unveiled at the same event. 

It has a silver metallic body with black accents and is adorned with sleek strips of lighting. It looks like, to me, something Iron Man would drive if he needed a van.

It has sliding doors that open to reveal the interior, which includes seating, standing space, and tinted windows— all without a steering wheel. After Cybercab, it’s another vehicle from Tesla that’s fully autonomous in nature.

And while the robotaxi is said to get the cost of transport down to around 20 cents a mile, the Robovan is claimed to take that even further, down to just 5-10 cents a mile.

The video below shows the Robovan in action, and it certainly looks like something out of the future. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see design changes when it becomes a reality. For instance, the Robovan has a low ground clearance, which is clearly not practical for city roads.

Musk is quite optimistic about Tesla Robovan

Musk, however, didn’t reveal much about the specifics of the van. And since it’s a prototype, details on the price, production plans, and a release date remain unclear. It will not be a cheap vehicle, though, that’s for sure. 

Musk, however, said, “We’re going to make this.” But take the statement with a bit of skepticism as Tesla has a history of missing self-imposed deadlines. Adding to the uncertainty, this is just a prototype. The final design and production timeline are far from certain. 

While the Robovan is undeniably eye-catching, it isn’t a novel concept for an autonomous van. We’ve seen similar concepts from companies like Zoox and Cruise, albeit on a smaller scale. China’s WeRide has also unveiled a comparable Robobus.

The post Tesla Robovan is a self-driving 20-seat passenger/cargo vehicle that’s not for sale appeared first on Gizmochina.

Autonomous driving technologies are becoming more widespread with each passing day. Today, many companies are testing their self-driving vehicles in cities where they have permission to operate. However, this technology also brings up some problems. For example, who is to blame when these not yet perfect cars make a mistake? In China’s Hangzhou province, there is growing concern about the increasing number of self-driving cars, authorities are considering the idea of penalizing vehicle owners or managers for traffic violations committed by these cars. Here are the details…

Who’s Responsible When Self-Driving Cars Breaks the Law?

As self-driving car technology continues to develop rapidly, fully autonomous driving is becoming increasingly popular. For example cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Beijing, and Hangzhou have even started self-driving car trials. But there’s a lingering question: If a self-driving car breaks a traffic rule, who’s to blame? The passenger or the car’s owner? Should they be fined?

A recent report reveals that the city of Hangzhou has submitted a draft proposal focused on the testing and use of smart, connected vehicles. This draft outlines two key points:

• All smart, connected vehicles must link to a central management platform.
• A liability framework is established to handle legal and regulatory issues.

If a self-driving vehicle without passengers commits a traffic violation, the owner or manager of the vehicle will be fined as per the law. Additionally, the organization responsible for testing and using the vehicle will have to cover the costs of any accidents they’re liable for. Of course, this idea is not new; in the U.S. car owners are already held responsible for any accidents caused by their self-driving technology. The rules in Hangzhou are still a draft and may change, but they show the city’s plan for regulating these vehicles.

However, the debate is not over. Some say it’s unfair to blame the owner for mistakes made by a car they’re not driving. Others argue that since the owner is in charge of the vehicle, they should be held accountable for any mistakes. It remains to be seen how these new rules in Hangzhou will actually work, but they’re a big step toward making self-driving cars safer for everyone. Especially when you consider how advanced China is in this area.

What are your thoughts on this subject? In the event of an accident, who do you think should be held responsible: the owner of the vehicle or the person who developed the technology?

RELATED:

• Best Smartwatches with ECG in 2023 – Pixel, Garming, Apple &…
• Tesla Faces Data Privacy Concerns in China as it Prepares to Launch Full Self-Driving
• BYD Playing Catch-Up in Autonomous Driving Race, But Has a Secret Weapon
• Apple Co-founder Criticizes Tesla: “AI Wants to Kill You!”
• Apple Autonomous Vehicle Program Grows to Over 200 Drivers with One Minor Collision

(soource)

The post Self-Driving Trouble: You Can Be Responsible for Crimes Committed by Your Car appeared first on Gizmochina.

The competition in the Chinese electric vehicle market is heating up. Especially between Tesla and BYD, it’s unclear who will come out on top. For example, BYD is standing out with its variety of products and prices, while Tesla impresses users with its technology. Furthermore, the company founded by Elon Musk hasn’t shown all its cards yet. According to latest reports, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) might be getting ready to launch in China. Here are the details…

Tesla Gathers Data for Self-Driving FSD in China

Tesla‘s Full Self-Driving technology is coming to China. The Tesla China Analyst tweeted that the FSD test version has been released in China and is operating in “shadow mode” to gather data. Once Tesla is satisfied with the data, it will activate FSD on a small scale for trials. This means that FSD Beta could soon be available in China.

Tesla China has not responded to these rumors, but there have been many speculations about FSD coming to China since the beginning of the year. Tesla has denied these rumors in the past, but it seems like they are finally ready to bring FSD to China. China is the world’s largest market for electric vehicles, so it would be a big mistake for Tesla to miss out on this market.

NIO, XPeng, and Huawei are already rolling out their own driver-assist features in China, so Tesla needs to make sure that FSD is ready to compete. The Tesla China Analyst also said that Tesla is gathering data from external cameras, journey details, map locations, and vehicle status to improve FSD. This is similar to Tesla’s previous “shadow mode” approach, where the driving system is active but does not interfere with the driver’s actions.

There have been concerns about data privacy and safety with FSD. Apple, for example, ensures that all iCloud data from Chinese users remains in China. Tesla may need to do something similar by establishing a local driving database and developing a native R&D team for self-driving in China.

It remains to be seen how Tesla’s FSD will be received in China. While it is acclaimed overseas, it has yet to demonstrate the complete autonomous driving capability it claims to have. However, with Tesla’s strong brand and the large Chinese market, FSD could be a big success in China.

RELATED:

• RED MAGIC 8 Pro vs Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate: Specs…
• Xpeng X9 Teased With New Spy Photos, Feature More Traditional Headlights, Sleek New Design
• Electric Vehicle Catches Fire in Middle of The Road, Causing Traffic Jam
• Huawei Luxeed Spy Shots Reveal Sedan’s Unique Design and Lidar for Autonomous Driving
• Porsche Boxster EV to Take on Tesla Model 3 with 80+ kWh Battery

(source)

The post Tesla Faces Data Privacy Concerns in China as it Prepares to Launch Full Self-Driving appeared first on Gizmochina.

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly popular and advanced. We are seeing AI technology being used in more and more areas of our lives, including the automobile industry. Tesla has been a leader in the use of AI for autonomous driving, and now Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is making a major push into this sector. BYD has announced plans to invest heavily in AI for autonomous driving. Here are the details…

BYD Hires Thousands of Engineers for Autonomous Driving Division

BYD, a leading global electric vehicle maker, is making a major push into the autonomous driving sector. The company has hired thousands of software engineers and established a new research division, and it is partnering with two leading autonomous driving chip technology firms. BYD’s senior vice president, Stella Li, said that the company is not ahead of its competitors in the autonomous driving race, but it is confident that it can catch up in two to three years.

Li said that BYD is hiring software engineers from top universities in China, and it is also looking to hire talent from abroad. The company is also investing in research and development, and it is working on developing its own autonomous driving technology. BYD is partnering with Nvidia and Horizon Robotics to develop autonomous driving technology. Nvidia is a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) chips, and Horizon Robotics is a Chinese AI chip company.

BYD’s new research division will focus on developing autonomous driving technology for its next-generation cars. The company is also working on integrating autonomous driving features into its existing cars. BYD is a major player in the EV market, and it is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the autonomous driving market. The company has a strong track record of innovation, and it is investing heavily in autonomous driving technology. It will be interesting to see how BYD’s autonomous driving efforts pan out in the coming years.

RELATED:

• Best Smart Thermostat 2023 – EcoBee, Google Nest, & More
• Apple Co-founder Criticizes Tesla: “AI Wants to Kill You!”
• BYD YangWang U8: The High-Performance, Floating SUV Caught in Transit
• BYD Hopes to Reclaim Market Share with Revamped Dolphin Champion Edition
• BYD Targets 3 Million Electric Vehicle Sales in 2023 with Multi-Brand Strategy

(via)

The post BYD Playing Catch-Up in Autonomous Driving Race, But Has a Secret Weapon appeared first on Gizmochina.

The competition in the processor market continues at full speed. As ARM-based mobile processors begin to take over the PC market, companies are doing everything they can to strengthen their positions. In line with this, Qualcomm has announced its plans to acquire Israeli auto-chip manufacturer Autotalks. Here are the details…

Qualcomm Acquires Autotalks: A Step Forward in Automotive Technology

Qualcomm, already one of the most successful companies in its field due to its current technologies, continues to take strategic steps to remain competitive in the market. For example, a few years ago, Qualcomm acquired an automotive tech company called Veoneer for $4.5 billion. Now, they have taken another step in this area.

Recently, the company announced plans to acquire Israeli auto-chip maker Autotalks. This strategic move aims to enhance Qualcomm‘s automotive portfolio and capitalize on the growing demand for advanced driver-assistance systems. With the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles and autonomous features in cars, the number of chips used by automobile manufacturers is rising, turning the automotive market into a significant growth area for chip producers.

Autotalks manufactures specialized chips used in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technology for both manned and driverless vehicles, with the aim of enhancing road safety. Nakul Duggal, Senior Vice President of Automotive at Qualcomm Technologies, said in a statement, “Since 2017, we have been investing in V2X research, development, and deployment, and as the automotive market matures, we believe there will be a need for a standalone V2X security architecture for advanced driver safety and intelligent transportation systems.”

Last year, Qualcomm reported that its automotive business volume increased by over $10 billion, reaching $30 billion. The company attributes this surge to the Snapdragon Digital Chassis product used by car manufacturers and suppliers. Snapdragon Digital Chassis can provide both assisted and autonomous driving technology, as well as in-vehicle infotainment and cloud connectivity. It was announced that Autotalks’ solutions will be incorporated into the Snapdragon Digital Chassis portfolio. No financial details about the acquisition have been disclosed yet.

RELATED:

• Best Gaming Routers in 2023: ASUS, TP-Link & More
• China’s Chip Industry remains largely unaffected by US sanctions
• Google May Design its Future Tensor Chips In-house, Starting with Pixel 9
• Microsoft and AMD team up to take on Nvidia in the AI Chip Market
• China’s Chip Industry remains largely unaffected by US sanctions

(via)

The post Qualcomm Set to Acquire Israeli Auto-Chip Maker Autotalks appeared first on Gizmochina.

As artificial intelligence and AI-based technologies continue to advance, they are becoming more integrated into everyday life. From ChatGPT, which provides answers to users’ questions, to autonomous cars, AI is shaping the future. However, this progress also sparks debates. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently made a strong statement about AI, claiming “Tesla wants to kill you”. Here are the details…

Wozniak’s Harsh Comments on Tesla Autonomous Driving

As one of the co-founders of Apple, Steve Wozniak is a prominent figure in the technology industry. He has been particularly critical of AI, especially Tesla, a leading automaker in autonomous driving. Wozniak went so far as to say “Tesla wants to kill you” in reference to the company’s cars. During an interview, Wozniak expressed his belief that Tesla’s self-driving car ambitions are unnecessary and dangerous. He described Tesla’s autonomous driving system as “the car that AI enthusiasts who want to kill themselves should buy,” essentially calling the technology a “serial killer.”

Wozniak has a history of making harsh comments about Tesla, often using strong and mocking language. His love-hate relationship with the company is well-documented, so his latest remarks aren’t entirely unexpected. It seems that Wozniak’s love for Tesla may be shifting more towards animosity.

Interestingly, Wozniak was one of Tesla’s early adopters. In 2013, he posted a picture of himself drinking gasoline, which he claimed led to an email from Elon Musk scolding him. Subsequently, Wozniak purchased a Tesla Model S. Despite using his Model S as his daily driver, Wozniak soon began to criticize Tesla’s autopilot system. However, his actions seemed contradictory, as he bought a second Model S before Autopilot 2.0 was released.

Now, with Wozniak’s renewed criticism of Tesla, it’s unclear whether his feelings towards the company are rooted in love or hatred. What we do know is that Wozniak owns two Tesla Model S vehicles and continues to use them daily.

RELATED:

• Vivo X Fold2 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Specs Comparison
• Volkswagen Unveils ID.7 Saloon with 435-Mile Range and 286hp Motor
• BYD Targets 3 Million Electric Vehicle Sales in 2023 with Multi-Brand Strategy
• Tesla Finds a Way to Make Affordable Electric Vehicles
• Wuling Reveals Five New Colors for the Baojun YueYe Compact Electric SUV

(via)

The post Apple Co-founder Criticizes Tesla: “AI Wants to Kill You!” appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple continues to expand its autonomous vehicle testing program in California, with the latest data revealing that the company has added more drivers to its test fleet. Apple now has over 200 authorized individuals supporting the operation of its 67-vehicle fleet, and the company experienced a minor collision last month. Here are the details…

Apple Autonomous Vehicle Program Grows to Over 200 Drivers with One Minor Collision Since January

According to a recent reports, the first Apple Car, expected to hit the market in 2026, will not be fully autonomous. However, the company may still incorporate advanced driver assistance features that would allow drivers and passengers to engage in activities such as watching a movie or playing a game while on the move.

Recently, some leakster provided the latest figures on Apple’s autonomous vehicle fleet, highlighting an increase in the number of drivers from 196 to 201, the highest in recent times. The vehicle fleet, however, has remained steady at 67. To give some context on how Apple’s fleet and drivers compare to its competitors, let’s take a look at the data on collisions involving autonomous vehicles from each company.

Since January 13, 2023, Apple’s test fleet has experienced one more collision, bringing the total count to 16. However, it’s important to note that even the most minor accidents must be reported, and this recent incident falls into that category. No one was injured in the collision, which was described as a case of “curb rash” while the vehicle was in manual mode.

The incident report reads, “On February 21st, a test vehicle operating in manual driving mode was making a U-turn from Westbound to Eastbound Homestead Road at the intersection with Kennewick Drive in Sunnyvale when the right front tire and rim made contact with the curb. No injuries were reported, and law enforcement was not called to the scene. The test vehicle sustained damage to the right front rim.”

As Apple continues to develop and test its autonomous vehicles, it’s evident that the company is dedicated to fine-tuning its technology before unveiling the first Apple Car. With over 200 drivers now supporting the operation of its test fleet, Apple seems to be making significant strides in the world of autonomous vehicle development.

RELATED:

• Huawei P60 Series Launched in China with 120Hz Display, 48MP Triple Cameras, & Satellite Messaging
• Apple Car Launch Reportedly Delayed To 2026; To Be Priced Under $100,000
• Huawei Introduces Watch Ultimate, The “Ultimate” Apple Watch Ultra Competitor
• Microsoft’s GitHub Integrates OpenAI Chat Functions into Copilot X Coding Tool
• Huawei MatePad 11″ 2023 Launched: Matte Glass option, Snapdragon 870 SoC, HarmonyOS, and More

(via)

The post Apple Autonomous Vehicle Program Grows to Over 200 Drivers with One Minor Collision appeared first on Gizmochina.

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, has announced an extended partnership with Nvidia, a frontrunner in artificial intelligence (AI) and computing. The collaboration will involve the use of Nvidia’s advanced centralized compute platform across various models in BYD’s forthcoming Dynasty and Ocean series of EVs. This joint venture aims to bring safe, intelligent, and software-defined vehicles to the market. Here are the details…

BYD and NVIDIA Partner to Revolutionize Electric Vehicles with Software-Defined Solutions

Rishi Dhall, Vice President of Automotive at Nvidia, applauded the ongoing partnership with BYD and the industry’s confidence in the centralized compute platform as a future-proof solution for intelligent vehicles. Both companies share the belief that future cars will transition from numerous embedded controllers to high-performance centralized computers, delivering and enhancing functionalities through software updates throughout a car’s life.

The compute capabilities of the centralized compute platform are essential for diverse, real-time sensor processing. It provides automakers with the necessary resources to develop and support new software-driven services for the entire life of the vehicle. Since entering production last year, the platform has become the transportation industry’s go-to AI engine for EVs, robotaxis, shuttles, and trucks.

Designed to meet strict industry safety standards, the scalable compute platform can perform up to 254 trillion operations per second. This power enables it to run AI cockpits and automated driving functions simultaneously while operating numerous deep neural networks, ensuring the highest levels of safety and reliability.

In addition to adopting NVIDIA’s centralized compute platform for its EV fleets, BYD announced earlier this year its collaboration with NVIDIA to enhance the in-vehicle experience by integrating cloud gaming services into its vehicles. BYD has already made a significant impact in the industry with groundbreaking technologies like the Blade Battery, super hybrid technology, and the e-platform. As of February 2023, the company has sold more than 3.7 million EVs worldwide, creating an enhanced mobility experience for consumers.

To learn more about the latest technology breakthroughs in the automotive industry and beyond, watch the keynote speech by NVIDIA’s founder and CEO at the GTC conference. Register for the GTC event free of charge to attend a variety of sessions featuring NVIDIA and other mobility leaders.

RELATED:

• Honor Magic5 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Specs Comparison
• Xiaomi Pilot Technology for autonomous driving unveiled
• OPPO FIND X6 PRO Review Part 1: Triple Main Cameras, All In One
• XPeng Aims to Deliver 200,000 Units in 2023 with New Electric Vehicles
• Microsoft, Google, and Apple among most exploited in 2022 zero-day vulnerabilities

(source)

The post BYD, World’s Largest EV Maker will Use Nvidia Chips to Power Autonomous Driving appeared first on Gizmochina.

Honda has revealed its latest innovation, the third-generation Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV), at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas. The all-electric, fully programmable AWV leverages Honda’s advanced autonomous technology to support construction activities, improve worksite efficiency, and address labor shortages in the industry. Here are the details…

Honda reveals all-electric autonomous off-road work vehicle

The AWV is designed to operate autonomously or manually via remote control, offering a wide range of services in environments where workforce constraints make other solutions impractical. Jason VanBuren, systems engineering manager at American Honda Motor Co., expressed the company’s intention to collaborate with businesses interested in field testing the vehicle at their worksites. Key features of the third-generation Honda AWV include:

• Increased bed size and loading capacity of 2 pallets and 2,000 pounds, respectively.
• Improved navigation using LiDAR sensors in areas with weak or unavailable GNSS service.
• Simplified tablet-based programming interface and cloud connectivity.
• Higher speed in autonomous mode, reaching up to 10 mph (16 kph).
• Increased battery size, providing an operating time of up to 10 hours.
• Enhanced avoidance function for vehicles stopped on road.
• Lower bed for easier loading and improved ergonomics.

The AWV employs a suite of sensors, including GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle detection, and cameras for remote monitoring. Previous field tests have demonstrated the AWV’s ability to transport and deliver construction materials and supplies at precise points along a pre-set route. Honda utilizes common components from its automobiles and other products to optimize the AWV’s mobility technologies.

With the commercialization of the AWV in mind, Honda is actively seeking partners to participate in field testing, improve functions, and enhance services. The company is particularly interested in partnerships related to product distribution, aftermarket sales, and the development of software and attachments. By tapping into Honda’s decades of experience in developing safe, reliable, and clean mobility technology, the AWV has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry and reshape how work is carried out at job sites.

RELATED:

• Best UltraWide Gaming Monitors 2023
• Kia’s Stylish New EV9 Electric SUV is Feature-Packed & Resembles Older Range Rovers
• Oppo Find N2 Flip Review – Here Comes the New King of Flip Phones
• Tesla’s Price Reduction Strategy Pays OFF in China: Sales increase by 26% in February
• ColorOS 13 Now Available for OPPO Reno 7, OPPO K9s and…

(via)

The post Honda Unveils All-Electric Autonomous Off-Road Work Vehicle for Construction Efficiency appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi’s recent investor day was a buzz with exciting news about their cars! Lei Jun, the CEO, shared that he dedicates half of his time and energy to the automotive division, and a quarter to the company’s mobile phones, IoT, and premium products.

The R&D team behind the Xiaomi cars has grown to over 2,300 members and is working tirelessly to make its official mass production debut in Q1 2024. Their progress has exceeded expectations, with the soft-film car rolling off the production line last September and winter testing starting at the end of December.

Lei Jun emphasized that autonomous driving is a crucial aspect of Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive industry. Over 140 vehicles are slated to undergo testing across the country in the first phase of their autonomous driving initiative. The goal is to establish itself as a leader in the industry by 2024.

In terms of profitability, Lei Jun stated that Xiaomi prioritizes software profits, similar to their approach with their mobile phones. The future of cars presents exciting opportunities for integrating various services, beyond just sales and after-sales service.

Previously, a Weibo blogger (@不是郑小康) posted pictures that revealed that the Chinese tech giant was conducting a test of the yet-to-be-announced EV model. Lei Jun, the founder himself, was present during this test as per the blogger who shared the pictures on the Chinese microblogging website. In other words, the brand was clearly testing out the Xiaomi Car under extreme weather conditions of cold and likely making other key calibrations as well. 

Xiaomi has established its own automobile facility in Beijing’s Yizhuang, which houses the sales and R&D headquarters. They plan to construct a fully-functional vehicle factory with a yearly capacity of 300,000 vehicles, with the first car rolling off the production line in 2024.

RELATED:

• Xiaomi Updates First Batch of Phones with MIUI 14, Releases Update Plan for Second Batch
• Best Monitors For Work 2023
• Xiaomi India To Empower Underprivileged Youth with #BackToSchool Initiative

(Source)

The post Xiaomi Gearing Up to Mass Produce Its Electric Car in 2024 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier this week, WeRide announced that its autonomous technology enabled minibus was the first to officially obtain the road test license in Beijing. The bus is equipped with L4 self driving technology and is a major milestone for the brand.

As per official notes, the company’s unmanned minibus can be driven on public roads with autonomously in Beijing. The region of its license specifies a total area of 60 square kilometers. Unlike certain minibuses that still feature a steering wheel, the WeRide is a completely unmanned shuttle bus that has no built in steering wheel, no brakes, and no driver’s cockpit. In other words, the license signifies that the minibus’ autonomous technology is capable of safely operating on actual roads in Beijing.

Furthermore, the company has also reached the mass production levels for this design of its minibus. Notably, this is the first time that a high level autonomous vehicle was approved for the road test license in Beijing. In other words, this is also the first time that an unmanned L4 grade self driving behicle will be legally driven on the road in the city. WeRide’s shuttle bus will be run purely on electric power.

The WeRide minibus offers a maximum speed of 40 km/h and can be flexibly deployed in various kinds of public or closed traffic scenarios. These EVs can also operate on urban open roads around the clock. So now, the minibusses will follow the company’s existing fleet of self driving taxis and is currently available in Guangzhou, Beijing , Shenzhen, Nanjing, Wuxi, Boao, Riyadh and other cities.

RELATED:

• WeRide Robobus without steering wheels, throttle or brake pedals begins operation in Guangzhou
• Roborock Founder’s ROX Motor Will Launch Its First EV in August
• Apple Car Launch Reportedly Delayed To 2026; To Be Priced Under $100,000
• BMW Starts Production of Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle iX5 Hydrogen

The post WeRide L4 Self Driving Minibus Receives Beijing’s First Road Test License appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has been working on its electric vehicle for years, which is currently being referred to as Apple Car. Internally, this vehicle project is called Titan, and it appears to be in limbo for the past few months.

According to the latest report, Apple Car is expected to launch in the year 2026, and the pricing will be under $100,000. It is also reported that the tech giant is scaling back its vision for the vehicle.

Earlier, the Apple Car was expected to go official by 2025, but now it has been delayed by a year as the Cupertino-based technology giant scales back its ambitious plans for a self-driving electric vehicle.

The company initially planned to design a car where passengers could face one another in a limousine-style car with no steering wheel or pedals. But the project has now been scaled back to have a more traditional design with a driver’s seat, steering wheel, and pedals.

Also, the fully autonomous driving or self-driving feature will not be available, but the car will be able to use a self-driving mode on highways. It will offer enough autonomy for users to play games or watch videos on the highway but ask to take control when driving on city streets or through adverse weather. The hands-free tech may debut in North America and expand to other regions over time.

Apple Car was originally planned to cost over $120,000, but it will now cost under $100,000 as the company has scaled down the features and technologies for the vehicle.

Currently, the company has not finalized a design for the Apple Car, but it plans to have it finalized by the end of next year, i.e., 2023. After that, the list of features for the vehicle is set to be completed by 2024, and the testing will begin sometime in 2025 ahead of the planned launch of the Apple Car in 2026.

RELATED:

• Apple sold over 4 million AirPods Pro 2 units in just over a week: Report
• Apple Could Start Manufacturing iPads In India
• Apple AR/VR Headset Could Be Delayed Due To Software-Related Issues: Ming-Chi Kuo
• Apple Accelerates Plans to Shift iPhone Production Outside of China
• Apple’s Upcoming AR/VR Headset To Run xrOS Operating System

Source

The post Apple Car Launch Reportedly Delayed To 2026; To Be Priced Under $100,000 appeared first on Gizmochina.

On Tuesday night, in the United States of America, several autonomous Cruise robotaxis disrupted traffic in San Francisco, California after they abruptly stopped operating.

The incident’s specifics were discussed on Reddit (and picked up by TechCrunch) and serve as an example of how driverless cars are still in the early stages of development in practical applications.

Although Cruise, a company supported by GM and Honda, has been testing its technology in San Francisco since February, it didn’t begin offering a paid robotaxi service until last week. The vehicles operate with some limitations, but have no human safety driver at all. When the weather is good, they only provide rides on ‘certain streets’ between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM, and they are only permitted to go at a speed of 30 mph.

At least five vehicles are seen halted on the street in photos of the driverless roadblock. According to the Redditor who posted the images, the incident happened about midnight.

In response to TechCrunch, a representative for Cruise acknowledged the incident but made no mention of why it occurred or whether it would happen again in the future.

The spokesman explained, “We encountered a problem earlier this week that caused several of our trucks to cluster. While it was resolved and no passengers were impacted, we apologize to anyone who was inconvenienced.”

This incident involving Cruise’s driverless technology is not the first. A police officer attempted to stop a Cruise robotaxi earlier this year, ostensibly because the vehicle’s headlights were out at night. Later, Cruise claimed “human error” was to blame for the tragedy. 

Redditor seansinha who shared the pictures said, “The first thing I tell my coworker is that they’re planning to kill us. It was a very bizarre occurrence. The cars had to be removed by hand by arriving humans. For so long obstructing the street, Cruise ought to be fined to shit. They even made it, so the street sweeper couldn’t hit an entire block.”

He also mentioned that the Cruise employees showed up to the incident “in twenty minutes” but were unsuccessful in actually moving the cars in good time.

Recently, China’s Pony.ai also announced its plans to begin commercial driverless robotaxi service in San Fransisco. It remains to be seen if this incident will impact its launch. 

RELATED

• China’s Pony.ai plans to begin commercial driverless robotaxi service in California in 2022
• https://www.gizmochina.com/2021/07/06/autox-gen5-fully-driverless-system-robo-taxis/
• https://www.gizmochina.com/2022/04/29/baidu-pony-ai-china-first-commercial-driverless-robotaxi-permits/

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAzrXE3WaTg[/embedyt]

The post Robotaxis cause disruption in traffic in San Fransisco after abruptly malfunctioning appeared first on Gizmochina.

During CES 2022, Volvo has announced that the company will debut its Ride Pilot, an autonomous driving feature in California by the middle of this year. Once the feature has been approved for use on highways, it will be offered to customers.

The company says that the Ride Pilot feature will be offered to customers as a paid add-on for a new electric SUV that it plans to announce later this year. The feature is also planned to be released in other markets.

For creating Ride Pilot, Volvo worked with Zenseact and LiDAR developer Luminar. The feature is currently being tested in Sweden. Volvo says that Ride Pilot utilizes a Luminar Iris LiDAR sensor complemented by eight cameras, 16 ultrasonic sensors, and five radars to enable the software to judge depth.

The company also says that it will push out continuous over-the-air updates to ensure the feature is safe to use. Martin Kristensson, Head of AD and Mobility at Volvo, said: “When we say self-driving, we mean self-driving. So this will be a feature or function where the car is actually responsible for the driving so you will not need to keep your hands on the steering wheel and you will not need to keep your eyes off the road.”

Ride Pilot is described as a hands-off, eyes-off system, which means that a driver will be free to do other things when the system is activated. This is different from existing self-driving systems which require constant monitoring from the driver.

RELATED: 

• Volvo working on new tech that turns car windshields into an AR Display
• Three more engineers leave the Apple Car project to join a startup: Report
• All-electric BMW iX model with a paint job that changes color surfaces at CES 2022
• Okai unveils the ES800 off-road electric scooter suited for rugged terrain
• OPPO is working on electric vehicles for India, may launch around early 2024: Report

The post Volvo to debut Ride Pilot autonomous driving feature in California later this year appeared first on Gizmochina.

JETOUR Motors has just announced a new hybrid vehicle. It is the Jetour X-1 Hybrid SUV crossover, which is powered by the Huawei L3 autonomous driving assistance system and more.

For those unaware, the Chinese company is a sub brand of Chery Automobiles. Now, the automobile maker has launched the X-1 from its Jetour brand. It features its self developed “Kunlun” architecture platform that is powered by Huawei’s high end L3 autonomous driving assistance system along with the latest technologies like the Smart Cockpit 3.0 and Healthy Cockpit 4.0. The new crossover SUV was announced on the 1st of January 2022.

Through the Chinese tech giant’s L3 self driving assistance system, the car can drive on its own in a number of scenarios, although, the drive would still have to take control in some situations like emergencies. Under the hood, the X-1 is equipped with the Chery Kunpeng DHT hybrid system and Chery core fuel powered platform. In other words, it is a hybrid that is powered by both fuel and electricity.

Notably, the four wheel drive version of the car is also equipped with a rear mounted single motor that supports 9 different modes like pure electric drive, extended range mode drive, parallel mode drive, engine direct drive, and more. This enables users to switch between power and fuel efficiency modes based on their requirements. Looking at the car, it features a unique radiator grille, which is part of the bumper along with an angular overall design. Unfortunately, finer details like specifications, pricing, and availability are still unknown at the moment.

RELATED:

• Huawei HarmonyOS 3.0 tipped to officially release in July this year
• Huawei Releases the World’s First Bluetooth and NFC Supported Digital Car Keys in China for its AITO M5 Smart Car
• Huawei partners with 18 carmakers to bring 5G smart connected vehicles to the Chinese market

The post Jetour X-1 Hybrid SUV unveiled, with Huawei L3 autonomous driving appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple’s most-awaited self-driving electric car was in the news a few months ago and now once again, the upcoming vehicle from the technology giant, which has not yet been officially announced, is in the news, hinting at the Apple Car roadmap.

A new report coming from Bloomberg, citing sources aware of the development, claims that the upcoming Apple Car — an electric vehicle with support for a fully autonomous self-driving feature — will debut by 2025.

It is being reported that this Apple Car project from the Cupertino-based tech giant, which is called Project Titan, being headed by Kevin Lynch, will be a fully automated self-driving offering without any pedals or steering.

Earlier, it was claimed that the company was stuck between two different developments paths — a traditional EV with some enhanced driver-assist features, or a more sophisticated EV capable of truly autonomous driving with no input from its passengers. It now seems that the technology giant has chosen the latter option.

However, there’s a possibility of Apple adding some kind of an emergency takeover mode for the car, which is still being discussed internally. It is said to have open-concept seating and a larger iPad-like infotainment system.

The company has still not locked in the business model for this project. The Bloomberg report hints about Apple considering to have its own fleet of self-driving cars operating like Uber or Lyft instead of selling the cars to individuals. However, it is more likely that Apple will sell its car to individuals.

Apple is reportedly not looking to develop a proprietary charging system for the car as the company could make it compatible with the “combined charging system” or CCS standard so that it is possible to charge the vehicle at most public fast-charging stations.

RELATED: 

• Apple to open its first retail stores in India soon, begins hiring for them
• Qualcomm aims to take on Apple M-series chips with its next-gen PC chips
• Apple launches Self Service Repair program in the United States
• Apple wins patent for an all-glass iPhone with a wraparound display
• Hyundai unveils concept electric SUV with an interior that might as well be a living room

The post Apple Car to reportedly launch as a fully autonomous electric vehicle by 2025 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Nio, the China-based smart electric car maker, has started selling its ES8 SUV in Norway and is gearing up to launch another model in Germany. The Chinese company has confirmed that its new ET7 will be available in the German market in late 2022.

The Nio ET7 car has entered trial production at the company’s Hefei plant as the firm is set to start deliveries in China in early 2022. William Li, Chairman of Nio, said that the “very high” interest from German customers prompted the firm to commit to a European roll-out.

Along with announcing the launch of ET7 in Europe, Nio is also considering building its electric vehicles in Europe. Li said, “I believe if we have a lot of sales in the European market, we can also explore the other possibilities to work with other supply chain partners. I understand that in Europe, there is manufacturing capacity. We can also explore the possibility to work together with other OEMs and discuss joint manufacturing.”

While the company has not yet revealed any potential production partners but Lotus Technology could be on the list. After investment from Nio, Lotus Technology said that the partnership could pave the way for both companies to “explore opportunities for mutually beneficial industrial co-operation”.

The Nio ET7, unveiled in January this year, is claimed to offer a maximum range of 620 miles (on the Chinese NEDC cycle) from its largest, 150kWh battery and a twin-motor powertrain pumping out 644bhp and 627lb-ft for a 0-62mph time of 3.9sec.

It also features a raft of advanced driver assistance features that, the company says, enables autonomous driving. ET7 is available for pre-order in China and will be arriving in the German market in the last quarter of 2022. The 70 kWh version of ET7 is expected to have a price tag between €59,000-69,000.

The company had previously suggested that it could soon launch its cars in the United Kingdom but there’s no timeline for it yet.

RELATED: 

• Apple may partner with Toyota for its Car production: Report
• Huawei reshuffles executives; Richard Yu becomes CEO of Smart Car Solutions BU
• Xiaomi Automobile officially registered; Founder and CEO Lei Jun is leading the team of more than 300 employees
• Mercedes-Benz is planning to go all-electric by the year 2030; teases the VISION EQXX EV with ~1,000km range
• Qualcomm partners with Google to bring infotainment system to Renault Mégane E-TECH Electric

The post Chinese EV maker Nio considers production in Europe; ET7 launching in 2022 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has been working on its self-driving car technology and the Cupertino-based tech giant was recently in the news related to efforts in forming partnerships with automakers for the Apple Car, but nothing has been materialized yet.

Now, we are hearing news about two incidents where Apple Cars with self-driving technology were involved in an accident, according to the report from MacRumors based on the data from California DMV.

Both the reported incidents happened last month, i.e. in the month of August 2021. The first incident occurred in San Diego, California in the Hillcrest area on August 19th. The Lexus RX 450h was stopped in traffic and was hit by a Hyundai. The accident was described as minor with no injuries.

The second accident happened on August 23 in Cupertino, California, near the Apple Park campus. The vehicle with Apple’s self-driving equipment was in manual mode and it was stopped in traffic when it was rear-ended by a Subaru Outback.

It’s noteworthy that in both of these incidents, Apple Car with the self-driving technology or the person operating the vehicle was not at fault. The technology has been in testing mode since 2017 and this is the first time since 2019 that we are hearing about Apple Car being involved in an accident and interestingly, both the incidents happened last month.

According to the report from California DMV, Apple’s Lexus SUVs that are equipped with self-driving technology, have traversed more than 18,000 miles in 2020, which represents a steep increase compared to previous years.

As noted above, Apple has been testing its self-driving software since early 2017, using the Lexus RX 450h vehicles. Autonomous driving technology is one of the long-term projects for the tech giant and based on the rumors, Apple is expected to launch its first vehicle with self-driving technology in a few years.

RELATED: 

• Apple Car patented feature lets owners share cars with others without releasing the keys
• Honor beats Xiaomi and Apple to become China’s third-largest smartphone maker
• Apple reportedly in talks with Korean partners for the Apple car
• LG and Magna close to signing a deal for Apple Car Production: Report

The post Apple self-driving cars were involved in two accidents last month in California appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi Corp is planning on buying an autonomous driving technology based startup called Deepmotion. The acquisition deal will amount to 77.4 million US Dollars and arrives as the company gears up to enter the electric vehicle market.

The Chinese tech giant made the announcement for this acquisition after it recorded a better than expected second quarter results. This was especially true in India, where its market recovery enabled it to overtake the Cupertino based giant Apple to become the world’s second largest smartphone maker in terms of shipments. While the company has become a major player in the smartphone market, it aims to further diversify in emerging markets, with EV being one of them.

Lei Jun, Founder and CEO of the company, is currently leading the brand’s electric vehicle project, with Xiaomi previously announcing a sizeable 10 billion US Dollars investment plan over the next decade in the new category. Furthermore, the company is also set to invest heavily into the EV market through its own research and development and manufacturing to produce its first self branded electric car. Now, the acquisition of Deepmotion could help it get further ahead with its goals.

For those unaware, Deepmotion develops driver assistance software and is the latest move from Xiaomi to broaded its presence in the EV industry. Similar to the company, other Chinese tech brands like Huawei and Baidu are also developing their own autonomous driving technology as well. Company’s president Wang Xiang even stated that “Through this acquisition, we hope to shorten the time to market for our product. We want to speed up our autonomous driving R&D.”

RELATED:

• Xiaomi Mi Flagship Days sale offers deals on Mi 11 Lite, Mi 10i, Mi TV, Redmi TV, and more
• Xiaomi will no longer release Mi-branded products including smartphones, Here’s why
• Xiaomi 11T, 11T Pro storage, color variants, and expected pricing appears in a new leak

The post Xiaomi is acquiring an autonomous driving based startup called Deepmotion appeared first on Gizmochina.

Baidu Chief Executive Robin Li has just unveiled his vision for the future of autonomous driving technology. The official describes this ‘robocar’ vehicle as more of a robot than a car.

Robin Li revealed a new prototype ‘robocar’ at the Baidu World 2021 conference (Via SCMP) earlier today (18th August 2021). The co founder of the search engine and artificial intelligence based giant also stated that this a concept of the ideal transport vehicle that would be a robot that would not be similar to cars that clog the roads in this day and age. Li added that “In the future, a car will be equivalent to a robot.”

It was revealed that Baidu took eight years to develop the robocar, which does not have an official name as of right now. Although, the prototype did reveal that it is a two seat vehicle that has no steering wheels or pedals, which is in line with the statement of it being a robot rather than a car. Furthermore, it has two retractable doors, a large curved intelligent display and a control pad as well. Li stated that its interior feature zero gravity seats, voice and facial recognition along with advanced artificial intelligence technology.

This AI would enable the robocar to analyze and make predictive suggestions to passengers. To improve the driving experience, the zero gravity seats work by positioning the passenger or driver in a manner that makes them feel weightless by reducing the effects of gravity. At the moment, the robocar has already met the level 5 (L5) autonomous driving standard, which means that it can handle itself in all circumstances without human interaction.

RELATED:

• Baidu rolls out paid driverless taxi service, AutoX completes 100 days of Robotaxi service in China
• BlackBerry to power Baidu’s mapping technology used in Chinese EVs
• Baidu gets permission to test self drivings cars in California

The post Baidu CEO reveals ‘Robocar’, his futuristic concept of autonomous driving appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi has just invested into Geometrical Pal, a company that specializes in autonomous driving technology. This marks another investment from the company in to the automobile related industry.

According to a Sohu report, the the Shanghai based Geometrical Pal has just completed its series of Pre A rounds of financing nearly 400 million Yuan (roughly 62 million US Dollars). During this round of investment, various companies invested in the autonomous driving based firm including the likes of the Xiaomi Investment Fund, Baidu, and other notable Chinese companies.

Previously, we had also reported on the Chinese tech giant investing in another self driving systems developer called Zongmu. At the moment, this round of financing will be used to accelerate the mass production of if a new generation of automated driving software and hardware integrated systems. Notably, with self driving technology seeing a boom in the automobile industry, various tech firms have started taking notice and investing into startups and brands that specialize in this field of technology.

For those unaware, Geometrical Pal was established back in October 2018. Its operations involves machine and deep learning systems and the company adopts a low cost, high reliability, and easy mass production philosophy. Its autonomous driving system involves integrated perception with intelligent decision making. Furthermore, its operations also involved software and hardware integrated systems. Other technologies includes visible light vision, infrared imaging, and more that function in real time.

RELATED:

• Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 4G might have been discontinued in India, Here’s Why
• Xiaomi Mi 11T Pro moniker spotted, launch could be drawing near
• Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 confirmed to run MIUI 12.5; expected to launch this month
• Xiaomi Mi Band X could have been great, but it’s not a real product

The post Xiaomi’s latest car related investment is in Geometrical Pal, an autonomous driving company appeared first on Gizmochina.

Lei Jun, founder of Xiaomi, has just shared a new recruitment advertisement on his official Weibo account, a Chinese microblogging website. In this ad, the official has basically revealed that the company is hiring experts in the autonomous driving field for its own automobile unit.

Back in March, the Chinese tech giant had announced that it would enter into the Smart Electric Vehicle business, with an initial investment of around 10 billion Yuan (roughly 1.5 billion US Dollars). Now, the executive has officially shared a recruitment add calling for 500 technical experts to join the “Xiaomi Autonomous Driving Department.” The social media post states that it is looking for 500 experts to create its own proprietary self driving technology for its smart cars.

Furthermore, the company has increased its recruitment efforts and openings for its Auto department in various fields as well. This includes data platforms, millimeter wave algorithms, a control system for the vehicle and its internal components, development tools, front end platform development, embedded software, imaging/perception, high accuracy map, among many others. Unfortunately, this is all the information we have to go on as of right now, so stay tuned for more as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.

RELATED:

• Xiaomi announces Mi Router AX9000, smart fryer, Mi Electric Scooter 3 and more for global markets
• Alleged Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 tempered glass suggests an under display camera
• Wyze sues Xiaomi & Roborock in the US, seeks invalidation of Xiaomi’s robotic vacuum patent
• Xiaomi India clocks sales worth ₹1,000 crores during Mi Anniversary Sale 2021, celebrates by showcasing a cool product
• Xiaomi continued to dominate India Smartphone Market in Q2 2021 despite a dip: Canalys

The post Xiaomi is hiring autonomous driving tech experts for its auto department appeared first on Gizmochina.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2021 (WAIC 2021) was recently ended with a focus on the growing autonomous driving technology industry. However, the event didn’t end without a bit of drama. Huawei announced the removal of the head of its autonomous driving unit Su Jing. The tech giant later issued a statement that the former head was removed for inappropriate comments made about Tesla’s autonomous self-driving technology at the event. Su had claimed Tesla vehicles are killing people, apparently referring to the autopilot issue that has been reported severally in recent times.

Su Jing has been with Huawei for many years with outstanding ability in autonomous technology and a good staff rating. He has previously served as the chief architect of Huawei Terminal Company and later as the head of Huawei’s intelligent driving product department. In particular, he took the lead in creating the autonomous driving system solution ADS, which was first showcased on the BAIC Arcfox Alpha S. The car is the first smart electric car equipped with Huawei’s lidar solution and the first model equipped with Huawei Harmony OS car system.

Thus, there are speculations in some quarters that his removal might be due to other reasons other than the Tesla comments. Before now, there were rumors that Weilai (NIO) and other car manufacturers had approached Su Jing and were looking to poach him from Huawei. However, both Mr. Su and NIO denied the rumor. Although Huawei still retains him in its employment, the autonomous driving expert may soon pitch his tent somewhere else.

RELATED:

• Tesla stops accepting Bitcoin payments citing environmental concerns
• Tesla faces growing pressure in China over customer complaints
• Tesla addresses security concerns in China, says car cameras not activated outside North America
• Tesla sees bump in shares after record electric car sales in Q1 2021

(via)

The post Huawei removes its Autonomous Driving unit head for damaging remarks about Tesla appeared first on Gizmochina.

Huawei Technologies is aiming on developing its driverless passenger car technology by the year 2025. The news arrives from a statement made by a company executive earlier this week, as the firm seeks to expand its business scope in the automobile industry.

According to Wang Jun, a senior executive at Huawei’s smart vehicle unit, “Our team’s goal is to reach true driverless passenger cars in 2025.” Similar to the Chinese tech giant, other automakers, tech firms, startups, and more have also been working on their own self driving technology for vehicles. This includes the likes of Baidu, Xiaomi, and others that are attempting to diversify into the car industry.

For those unaware, Huawei has been working on small electric vehicles ever since it faced sanctions from the US Government that hampered its smartphones business, which was its one of its primary operations. Now, the company has been working on developing its own self driving car technology, while it has also launched various car related components that have been featured in cars from automobile makers like Mercedes-Benz.

Previously, we had reported on the brand investing 1 billion US Dollars to develop electric vehicles and self driving technology, as its smartphone and telecommunications operations suffer due to the US sanctions. So, the 2025 goal seems in line with its plans on developing autonomous driving technology that will also be featured in cars from other companies.

RELATED:

• Qualcomm and MediaTek gains market share in Q1 2021 at the expense of Huawei HiSilicon
• Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 vs iPad Pro 11 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S7: Specs Comparison
• Huawei HarmonyOS installed devices cross 10 million in just a week
• Huawei unit invests in key chip production tech to ‘offset’ impacts of US Sanctions

The post Huawei seeks to develop its driverless car technology by 2025 appeared first on Gizmochina.

China’s GAC Motors is apparently planning on launching its first car model that supports self driving technology after 2024. The company is partnering with Huawei Technologies for its autonomous driving technology.

According to a Reuters report, GAC’s General Manager, Feng Xingya, made the announcement at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show earlier today (19th April 2021). The official also added that GAC is seeking to have half of its sales to be electric in 2035, with hybrid cars accounting for the other half. In other words, the company is aiming on a major shift of its vehicle production within the next decade.

For those unaware, Huawei is known to be working on self driving technology. The company even explained why it didn’t work on building its own cars and how it aims to build supplementing technology like the autonomous systems. Furthermore, the Chinese tech giant is also investing heavily in self driving technology and other electric vehicle technologies that surpasses Tesla, as per an SCMP report. The company is set to invest 1 billion US Dollars on researching self driving and electric car technologies.

The move from the company arrives as an attempt to raise its efforts to compete with Tesla and Xiaomi in the world’s largest electric vehicle market. As per the report, Huawei’s autonomous driving systems has already overtaken Tesla in certain areas. An example being the former’s cruise allows for more than 1,000 kilometers of travel without human input. Additionally, the Chinese company is also set to partner with automakers that will use its self driving technology, including BAIC Group, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, along with GAC.

RELATED:

• Huawei to invest $1 billion to develop EV and Self-Driving technology
• Huawei Exec explains why the company doesn’t build cars
• Huawei not building cars but will help automakers, with 30 upcoming smart components

The post GAC Motors to launch its first self driving car with Huawei after 2024 appeared first on Gizmochina.

XPeng Motors, a China-based electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Guangzhou, has announced its third production model named XPeng P5. It is touted to be the world’s first smart car to be equipped with automotive-grade LiDAR technology.

The company has also announced that the car will bring Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) capabilities to city roads for the first time in a production vehicle, which is powered by XPeng’s full-stack in-house developed autonomous driving system XPILOT 3.5.

The P5 is the first vehicle in its class to pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon flagship SA8155P auto-grade computing platform, which is said to be three times more powerful than the previous generation. It ensures seamless user control and interaction to assist, inform, and entertain drivers and passengers.

It measures 4808mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2768mm. The company adds that the car’s sleek aerodynamic profile is complemented by a neat fastback with an unobtrusive ducktail. There’s also a 1.493 sqm transparent panoramic canopy glass roof that offers uninterrupted views.

The car also comes with double-prism LiDAR units that are capable to distinguish pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters, static obstacles, and road works, in challenging scenarios such as night and low-light conditions, backlighting, and alternating light and dark illumination in tunnels.

This new electric vehicle is positioned as a family-friendly car and comes with some cutting-edge technology along with superior user-centric and intuitive in-car features. The XPILOT 3.5 system powers smart driving and the latest Xmart OS 3.0 delivers smart interaction, a combination that the company believes will be a gamechanger.

XPeng’s proprietary XPILOT 3.5 architecture comprises 32 perception sensors (including 2 LiDAR units, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 13 high-resolution cameras) and 1 high-precision positioning unit (GNSS + IMU), integrated into 360° dual-perception fusion to provide sufficient redundancy across the perception sensors to handle challenging and complex road conditions.

The Xmart OS 3.0, the company’s in-car operation system offers an advanced digital cockpit for next-generation user-vehicle interaction. It supports full-scenario all-voice interaction, answering complex needs of driver-vehicle and passenger-vehicle interaction.

The XPeng P5 will be featured at Auto Shanghai 2021 on 19th April 2021 with more details of its specifications, performance, pricing, and availability.

RELATED: 

• Xpeng Car catches fire in a charging station in China
• Lizhi partners with Tesla-rival Xpeng to bring Clubhouse-like Live-stream podcast in-car
• Tesla locally stores data collected from cars in China: Executive

The post XPeng P5 Smart EV announced; powered by LiDAR-equipped XPILOT 3.5 and Xmart OS 3.0 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Huawei is going through very rough times as the United States has imposed several sanctions on the company, restricting the Chinese giant in various businesses. It shut down its high-end chip production and is also losing marketing share in the smartphone business.

While its telecom and mobile business is suffering, the company is moving ahead to establish itself in the next major thing — Electric Vehicles and Self-Driving Technology. In line with this, Huawei will invest about $1 billion for the development of such technologies under its brand, reports Bloomberg.

Huawei is now aiming to take on the likes of Tesla and Xiaomi, among others with its own self-driving car technology. The company has already clarified that it has no plans to make its own car but will supply its tech to carmakers.

It has already partnered with three automakers — BAIC Group, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Eric Xu, the rotating chairman of Huawei also revealed that the cars launched will carry the Huawei name as a sub-brand.

Huawei’s autonomous-driving technology has already surpassed Tesla’s in some aspects of technology. For instance, the company’s cars have cruised for more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) without human intervention.

Commenting on this, Eric Xu said: “The smart car business unit receives one of the heaviest investments from Huawei. We will invest more than $1 billion in car component development this year. China adds 30 million cars each year and the number is growing. Even if we don’t tap the market outside of China, if we can earn an average of 10,000 yuan from each car sold in China, that’s already a very big business for Huawei.”

Huawei has already launched smart car connectivity products and the company’s info and entertainment technology can already be found in Mercedes-Benz sedans. It has also teamed up with companies like BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology Co. to develop smart car systems and the first model under the partnership — the Arcfox αS HBT will be unveiled at Auto Shanghai in April.

Apart from Huawei, other tech giants like Apple and Xiaomi are also targeting the automobile industry as companies race to make vehicles more environment-friendly, autonomous, and connected goes on. According to the report from Canalys, EV sales in China may climb more than 50 percent this year alone.

RELATED: 

• Huawei Exec explains why the company doesn’t build cars
• Huawei seeks to bring HarmonyOS to 300 million devices in this year
• Alleged Huawei P50 series prototype images leak online with a circular camera layout

The post Huawei to invest $1 billion to develop EV and Self-Driving technology appeared first on Gizmochina.

Didi Chuxing is apparently raising funds for the growth of its autonomous driving unit. The company is seeking to raise 6 billion US Dollars in an attempt to rival Uber, who is trying to diversify beyond its core businesses ahead of an anticipated initial public offering later this year.

According to a SCMP report, the Chinese ride hailing giant is planning on raising about 500 million US Dollars at a valuation of roughly 6 billion US Dollars. As per sources close to the matter, the funds raised will help Didi speed up its mass production of self driving vehicles and invest in technologies like artificial intelligence chips and more. Although, the plans for this fundraising could still change as considerations are at an early stages as per sources.

Unfortunately, a representative from the company declines to comment on this news. The attempt from Didi is an answer to Uber, as the former tries to grow its presence in strategically important sectors like autonomous vehicles prior to the company going public. This is also possible going to be one of the largest tech IPOs across the globe this year.

Furthermore, the company is targeting a valuation above the 62 billion US Dollars it had secured during its latest funding round by accelerating its pace just prior to its debut as a public company within the next quarter. The company began testing autonomous vehicles back in 2016 before separating the unit as a separate company in 2019 and aims on operating over 1 million self driving taxis by the year 2030.

RELATED:

• Chinese AV startups Didi and AutoX set to launch robotaxi pilot programs in May
• DiDi Chuxing Hitch and other online carpooling services suspended in China (UPDATE: Service Resumed)
• Sources confirm Baidu will team up with Geely to manufacture smart EVs

The post Didi seeks to raise $6 billion for its self driving unit: Report appeared first on Gizmochina.

It was recently confirmed that Apple’s talks with Hyundai Motors and its affiliate Kia Motors related to partnership for the tech giant’s autonomous cars didn’t materialize. Now, a new report claims that the company had also approached Nissan.

Apple had approached Japan-based Nissan to form a partnership for Apple Car but the report says that the talks are no longer active and the discussion after the brief contact didn’t advance to senior management levels.

It is said that there was a division among the companies regarding the branding for the autonomous car from Apple. People aware of the development say that the US giant wanted Apple-branded cars, which would downgrade Nissan to hardware supplier.

Apple is finding it difficult to partner with automobile companies for its upcoming smart car, which is being developed as ‘Project Titan.’ Carmakers are staying away from Apple because of a fear of becoming “the Foxconn of the auto industry.”

Although the company is not partnering with Apple, Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer says that the company is open to exploring partnerships with tech groups to adapt to the shift towards connected vehicles and autonomous driving.

Recently, we reported that Apple is moving ahead at a rapid pace for its autonomous car technology and is aiming to produce a passenger vehicle powered by the company’s own breakthrough battery technology as early as 2024. However, some analyst claims that a realistic target for production could be 2028.

RELATED: 

• Apple autonomous driving car doubles testing mileage in California last year
• Apple plans iPhone 13 Mini launch despite poor sales of iPhone 12 Mini
• Noted tipster hints that Apple AirTags are on course for March 2021 Launch

The post Apple approached Nissan for its autonomous car but talks ended after branding disagreement: Report appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has actively started focusing on self-driving car technology and the autonomous driving technology seems to have reached a stage where the company is now looking for mass production of the so-called “Apple Car” in the coming years. This confidence for Apple comes through the results of the test car.

The California DMV has released new data that gives insights into Apple’s efforts as far the company’s ambitious Apple Car autonomous driving vehicle is concerned, reports MacRumors. As per the data, the self-driving test vehicle from Apple drove 18,805 miles in California last year, which is more than double compared to 2019.

Additionally, the report also mentions that the company reported 130 disengagements in the last year, which also indicates a noticeable improvement in the number of miles driven before requiring a disengagement from self-driving. Based on the data, Apple’s cars experienced disengagement every 144.6 miles.

For those unfamiliar, disengagements refer to a situation when the car stops self-driving and the human driver takes over. Further, it mentions that Apple reported no accidents with its self-driving test vehicles for the year 2020. The last collision reported by Apple for the self-driving car was in 2019.

Apple was recently in talks with Hyundai and it was reported that the automaker’s sub-unit Kia will be making the Apple Car. The deal was expected to get closed in March with Apple investing billion in Kia. However, a couple of days ago, it was confirmed that the talks with Apple and Hyundai have ended without the deal. We expect Apple to form a partnership for its upcoming Apple Car in the coming months.

RELATED: 

• Apple Car launch could be delayed to 2028 or later, says Ming-Chi Kuo
• Apple hardware chief Dan Riccio is now focusing on the company’s AR/VR device
• DJI is building a new team that will work on self-driving technology

The post Apple autonomous driving car doubles testing mileage in California last year appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last month, Hyundai Motor confirmed that the company is in talks with Apple for the production of the tech giant’s ambitious project of making its own autonomous driving vehicle, which is currently being referred to as Apple Car.

It was expected that both the companies will reach a deal by the end of March this year, for the production of Apple Car. But a couple of days ago, it was being reported that the companies may have halted the talks.

Hyundai and Kia have now confirmed that the company has ended talks with Apple related to the production of Apple Car, the tech giant’s upcoming autonomous driving vehicle. In a regulatory filing, Hyundai and Kia said the two firms had received requests from multiple outfits about self-driving electric car development, but no decision had been made as the talks were at the early stages.

During the talks, it was suggested that Hyundai would bring production to the United States, operating a factory in Georgia controlled by Kia with an aim of producing 100,000 cars by 2024. It could have also involved an investment of $3.6 billion from Apple to make the project a reality.

While the talks with Hyundai and Kia have ended without reaching a deal, the status of talks with other companies with Apple is not yet known. Earlier, it was reported that the US-based tech giant was speaking to at least six Japanese automakers at the same time.

Based on the previous reports, Apple plans to make commercial cars by 2024 but that timeline seems aggressive and has already been questioned by many, including notable Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Some reports indicate that it will take around 5-7 years for the Apple Car to go into production.

RELATED: 

• Apple’s mixed reality headset to feature 8K displays, LIDAR sensors, and more
• Apple patents technology that assists driver visibility in bad weather conditions
• Apple iPhone 13 could feature upgraded ultra-wide-angle lens for improved photography

The post Hyundai confirms ending talks with Apple for autonomous driving car appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier today (28th January 2021), AutoX officially launched its driverless taxi service, RoboTaxi, in China. The service is currently in its pilot program and is available to the public in Shenzhen.

Back in December 2020, AutoX had launched the service in the region for its final phase of testing. Now, the company is now fully open to the general public that can now book a completely autonomous RoboTaxi. The self driving taxis are capable of running on regular public roads in the city and can even take “unprotected left turns at busy intersections, makes side passes on streets, deals with a scooter running traffic lights, and more.”

At the moment, people interested in the pilot program can sign up through the AutoX RoboTaxi registration page. Once selected, the pilot users can use the AutoX membership credits as well for the RoboTaxi rides. Those riding in the RoboTaxi are also able to speak to a customer support agent to ask any question that they wish to enquire about. These customer care agents will also be able to check the status of the vehicle in real time to provide any necessary assistance.

For those unaware, AutoX has been conducting various trials and tests regarding its driverless taxi service in China since mid 2020. At the moment, the company advanced operations center that is built in Shanghai and other major cities. These sites are equipped with “ultra reliable Internet connectivity from multiple suppliers, fortified with fiber-optics, and supported by a back-up power system.”

Through this system, the company guarantees seemless passenger support and communications. Currently, AutoX is operating over 100 RoboTaxis in the cities of Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Wuhan. This has enabled it to accumulate vast miles of road data in the Asian cities, especially ones with a high population density that suffer from challenging urban traffic conditions as well.

RELATED:

• Baidu gets permission to test self-drivings cars in California
• GM unveils a futuristic self driving Cadillac that can fly
• Amazon’s Zoox fully autonomous, all-electric Robotaxi unveiled

The post AutoX launches its driverless RoboTaxi service in China appeared first on Gizmochina.

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the supply chain for several technology companies and has created a shortage of key components. With the production impacted, manufacturers are looking to raise pricing.

TSMC, the world’s leading contract manufacturer for chipsets, is expected to do the same for its new automotive chips unit, for which the company is likely to cite the global shortage of components as the reason.

As per the report, Advanced Integrated Circuits (VIS), the automotive chipset unit or subsidiary of TSMC is considering increasing pricing by up to 15 percent while other foundries are also looking to do the same.

If the companies decide to increase the pricing, it will be the second round of price increase since last fall. Reports indicate that the price rise could take effect sometime at the end of February or early March.

With the increase in pricing for key components such as chipsets, the overall price of the Smart Car could also get increased, which can slow down the pace of adoption of electric vehicles, which is now gaining momentum globally.

Meanwhile, Samsung has partnered with Telsa to work on developing a new 5nm EUV chip for autonomous driving, which is currently said to be in the Research & Development stage but we should know more about it in the coming months.

RELATED:

• China’s Geely partners with Tencent to develop smart car technology
• Kia will reportedly lead Apple Car project work under Hyundai Motor
• Samsung showcases its next-gen Digital Cockpit for smart cars
• Flagship Killer Chip Battle: Snapdragon 870 5G vs Dimensity 1200

The post TSMC reportedly planning to increase automotive chips pricing by 15% appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung has been trying to become a leader in the chipset market and seems to be slowly progressing towards that. With Huawei out of the market, at least for the time being, the South Korean company has an opportunity to make its mark and it seems to be doing that.

As per the latest report coming from Korea, Samsung and Tesla are joining hands to make chips using the 5nm manufacturing process for autonomous driving. With the ongoing expansion and increased adoption of electric vehicles and the shortage of chipsets in the market because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Korean giant saw the opportunity and has expanded its semiconductor business into automobiles.

The chipset is being reported to be in Research & Development (R&D) stage at the Samsung Foundry Division and it will be mounted on Tesla’s autonomous vehicles. As said, it is being made using a 5nm Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) process, which only a couple of companies can do — Samsung and TSMC.

Samsung is already a partner of Tesla for producing the company’s current self-driving chips for hardware 3.0 computer. But the chip currently being used is manufactured using a bit older 14nm technology.

The South Korean giant recently reorganized its organizational structure and relocated some manpower in the Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) which is focusing on autonomous driving technology. If this new development of Samsung and Tesla works out, then Samsung could post a great threat to TSMC, which also entered into this sector last year with a 7nm chip.

RELATED:

• Blackberry partners Jaguar Land Rover on autonomous vehicles development
• Amazon’s Zoox fully autonomous, all-electric Robotaxi unveiled
• Samsung showcases its next-gen Digital Cockpit for smart cars
• Huawei HiCar partners with BAIC Blue Valley to launch a new smart car in H1 2021

The post Samsung and Tesla partners to make 5nm chip for autonomous driving appeared first on Gizmochina.

While the idea of self driving cars and autonomous vehicles is an easy concept to understand, smart roads are a bit more complicated. The former implies an automobile that can act and move without human interaction, while the latter signifies interconnected technology that supports these driverless cars, which is exactly what Huawei is working on.

In the city of Wuxi in the Jiangsu province of China, the company is working on smart roads. The Chinese tech giant is testing the infrastructure behind this concept on a four kilometer stretch of road where a self driving bus runs back and forth, navigating obstacles, accelerating and decelerating, making stops, and other activities based on the information it receives from the smart road systems around it. To put things simply, sensors, cameras, radars, and more embedded in the road, traffic lights, street signs, and other areas help the vehicle navigate the road by relaying key information.

Editor’s Pick: Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro launched with ANC, 26-hour battery life, and wireless charging

In other words, the smart road ‘talks’ to the autonomous bus. This site was developed and run by Huawei and its partners, and is a part of the country’s first national project for intelligent and connecter vehicles, as per a Bloomberg report. The smart road project is a part of China’s efforts to make its roads safer and help make traffic smoother as well. At the same time, this also offers its local companies like Huawei an opportunity to benefit from supplying the government with the supporting infrastructure.

According to Jiang Wangcheng, a president at Huawei’s information and communications technology business, “Autonomous driving is an irresistible trend, but any isolated vehicle alone can’t nail it. The only solution is to get more information from the roads. Sensors, cameras, radars that are embedded into roads, street signs, traffic lights, bus stops.” The self driving bus is dubbed X-Bus and is linked to a transportation-control network, through which a two way form of communication is established to decide every action taken on the smart road. This also means that instead of making a smart car, Huawei is leaning more towards providing communications equipment and software for intelligent solutions for vehicles.

UP NEXT: Galaxy A32 5G launched in Germany; starts at €279 and goes on sale in February

The post Huawei is developing Smart Roads that interact with driverless cars appeared first on Gizmochina.

A few days ago, it was confirmed that Hyundai Motor is in talks with Apple for the production of the tech giant’s ambitious project of making its own autonomous driving vehicle, which is currently being referred to as Apple Car.

Now, a new report claims that both the companies — Hyundai Motor and Apple could reach an agreement for the production of the Apple Car by March this year. It also adds that the production could start as soon as 2024.

Both the companies are hoping to produce around 100,000 vehicles in 2024, claims the report coming via Reuters. Eventually, the plan is to reach the production goal of 400,000 vehicles annually.

Further, it claims that the “beta version” of the Apple Car could go into testing as soon as next year. It’s noteworthy that currently there’s no information available about the specification and features of the Apple Car.

EDITOR’S PICK: iQOO 7 with 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and 120W Charging launched in China

But, it is being reported that the company is planning to use a new special battery technology for the upcoming Smart Car. It was also reported earlier that a part of the development of components for the car will take place at Hyundai Motors’ facilities in the United States.

The timeline of making commercial cars by 2024 seems aggressive and has already been questioned by many, including notable Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Some reports indicate that it will take around 5-7 years for the Apple Car to go into production.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi launches the affordable Mi Smart Clock with Google Assistant in Europe

The post Apple and Hyundai Motor expected to reach agreement for Apple Car by March appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has been working on a Smart Car system for a few years now under Project Titan, reports about which started surfacing online again this month related to the new battery technology and the mass production.

Recently, it was reported that the Apple Car could enter the mass production phase by the end of 2024. However, it seems that the timeline has been changed. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has now stated (via 9to5Mac) that the most realistic timeline is 2028 or later and added that the market is too bullish about Apple Car.

For his claim about the delayed launch, Kuo gives three reasons — uncertainty about the timing, uncertainty about the supplier and vehicle’s specifications, and uncertainty about the competitiveness in the EV market.

For those who are unaware, the autonomous car project of Apple has been in the works since 2014 when the company started the design of its own electric car from the scratch. However, the project struggled to proceed smoothly and at one point Apple decided to just focus on the software part of the technology.

EDITOR’S PICK: BOE starts supplying OLED panels to Apple for iPhone 12 series

But, after the return of Doug Field returned to Apple from Tesla a couple of years back, he started overseeing the project and revamped the team. And now, it seems that the company is making significant development in this field.

Kuo also notes that while Apple has several strengths, it doesn’t always work out for the company the way they expect. To highlight this point, he gives an example of Apple HomePod, which has struggled to get market share in the smart speaker space.

It’s also noteworthy that Apple is currently catching-up with the Electric Vehicle or Smart Car field and there are several companies that are in advanced stages of technology development or have started working on the commercial car.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi AIoT AX3600 Wi-Fi 6 router gets price cut of 100 yuan ahead of the launch of Enhanced Version

The post Apple Car launch could be delayed to 2028 or later, says Ming-Chi Kuo appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has been working on several new technologies and one of them is for the autonomous car with which the company has entered another category of products — Electric Vehicles. Now, there’s some major development related to this.

A new report from Reuters claims that Apple is going forward with its self-driving car technology and is planning to start production by 2024. And it’s not just the car but the company is also working on a “next level” battery technology.

For those who are unaware, the autonomous car project of Apple, called Project Titan, has been in the works since 2014 and the company started the design of its own electric car from the scratch.

However, the project struggled to proceed smoothly and at one point, Apple decided to just focus on the software part of the technology. But a couple of years back, Doug Field returned to Apple from Tesla to oversee the project and revamped the team.

EDITOR’S PICK: OPPO and Samsung are all set to soon start their smartphone production in Turkey

It seems that the development of this project has been significant enough for the company to build commercial vehicles. Reuters adds that Apple’s goal is to make a personal vehicle for the mass market while its competitors like Google‘s Waymo is building robo-taxis to carry passengers for a driverless ride-hailing service.

The report also sheds light on the battery that could be used in the car. A person aware of the development says that a new battery design could “radically” reduce the cost of batteries and at the same time, increase the vehicle’s range.

It is not yet clear which company would assemble the Apple-branded car. There’s also a possibility that Apple may decide to go ahead with the software part and integrate its technology into a car made by a traditional automaker.

UP NEXT: Realme Race powered by Snapdragon 888 chipset to be part of new series; fresh render appears

The post Apple Car with new battery technology to start production by 2024 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Uber, the world’s leading cab-hailing service provider, has announced that it is selling its driverless self-driving car subsidiary to Aurora Technologies for $4 billion. Uber is also investing $400 million in the startup for a 26 percent stake.

As a part of the transaction, Uber’s Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi will be serving on Aurora’s board. The startup, headquartered in Silicon Valley with an office in Pittsburgh, will also be acquiring engineers and support staff of Uber A.T.G.

This acquisition deal is expected to get closed in the first quarter of 2021. The sale of Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group has been valued at $4 billion, which is much lower than its valuation of $7.5 billion last year.

Although Uber is selling its Advanced Technologies Group (A.T.G.) division, the company says that it remains interested in the field. Going forward, the company will be collaborating with Aurora to launch driverless cars on its network. However, Aurora’s CEO Chris Urmson has confirmed that the startup’s first product won’t be a robot taxi but is likely to be a self-driving truck.

EDITOR’S PICK: Nokia appointed to lead European Union’s Hexa-X 6G technology research project

The driverless technology was a key focus for Uber’s founder and former CEO Travis Kalanick as it could help the company get rid of its biggest expense — drivers. With driver-related expenses reducing, the company was hoping to become profitable, ending years of enduring losses in billions of dollars.

However, the autonomous driving unit of Uber has been involved in several legal matters — from pedestrian death to intellectual property theft. While investors have been long pressuring the company to sell its self-driving unit, the company was finally forced to do so after revenue plummeted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UP NEXT: Evidence of Samsung not shipping the Galaxy S21 series phones with charger surfaces online

The post Uber sells its self-driving car business to Aurora for $4 billion appeared first on Gizmochina.