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HPH Trust Unveils Hong Kong's First <b>Autonomous Truck</b> Fleet

Hutchison Port Holdings Trust (HPH Trust) has launched its inaugural autonomous truck fleet in Hong Kong, a zero-emission vehicle designed for efficient container transport at its terminals. The trucks, designed without a driver’s cab, operate seamlessly alongside conventional vehicles. Powered by AI-driven algorithms, binocular cameras, advanced sensors and precise positioning systems, they deliver 24/7 all-weather performance, with built-in obstacle detection and emergency response systems. Currently, six units of trucks are in operation at Terminal 4. HPH Trust plans to expand its fleet and enhance its green technology portfolio to further advance sustainability across terminal operations, including the introduction of e-trucks, e-reachstackers and associated battery swapping stations. Ivor Chow, Chief Executive Officer of HPH Trust and Managing Director of HIT, said “Today, we are not just launching a fleet of trucks; we are launching a new generation of port technology. These AI-powered, 5G-connected Autonomous Trucks are designed to operate seamlessly alongside conventional vehicles, marking a significant step forward for Hong Kong as a smart, green maritime hub. This initiative advances the smart transformation of the logistics industry in line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and aligns with the HKSAR Government’s Green Port Development policies. Looking ahead, we remain committed to pioneering the future of smart and sustainable port operations in Hong Kong.”

Aurora Innovation (AUR) Valuation Check As New Regulatory Exemption Filing Highlights ...

- United States - / - Software - / - NasdaqGS:AUR Aurora Innovation (AUR) Valuation Check As New Regulatory Exemption Filing Highlights Autonomous Trucking Plans Aurora Innovation (AUR) is drawing fresh attention after subsidiary Aurora Operations applied to US regulators for a five year exemption covering warning equipment on Level 4 autonomous commercial trucks. See our latest analysis for Aurora Innovation. The regulatory filing arrives after a strong run, with a 30 day share price return of 18.04% and a year to date share price return of 33.59%. This performance comes even though the 1 year total shareholder return shows a 19.84% decline, which contrasts with a very large 3 year total shareholder return gain of around 3x. This suggests long term momentum but a more mixed recent experience for holders. If this kind of autonomous trucking news has your attention, it could be a good moment to see what else is moving in AI related transport and logistics via 38 AI infrastructure stocks So with the shares at US$5.17, trading at a steep discount to one widely cited price target and with a value score of 3, is Aurora still underappreciated, or is the market already baking in much of its future growth? Most Popular Narrative: 47.2% Undervalued The most followed narrative values Aurora Innovation at $9.79 per share, which sits well above the last close at $5.17 and frames a wide perceived gap. Planned deployment of second and third generation hardware, including a more durable kit designed for 1 million miles and roughly 50 percent lower unit cost, may reduce cost of revenue and support a path to positive gross margins and improving net margins as volumes scale. To understand what is behind that bold valuation gap, the narrative leans heavily on rapid revenue expansion, margin repair and

OOIDA on <b>driverless truck</b> exemption: Just say no

OOIDA on driverless truck exemption: Just say no Most Americans have concerns about sharing the road with an 80,000-pound driverless truck. However, companies like Aurora Operations hope their fleets of driverless trucks will grow to the thousands over the next five years. To help make that happen, Aurora seeks a five-year exemption from a federal regulation requiring truck drivers to place warning devices around the truck when stopped on a highway shoulder. Specifically, Aurora is asking to use a set of cab-mounted warning beacons instead of having a person deploy warning triangles around the truck. If granted, the exemption would apply to Aurora and other motor carriers operating Level 4 automated commercial motor vehicles. FMCSA is giving the public through May 15 to comment on Aurora’s exemption request. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is encouraging truck drivers and the general public to speak out against allowing driverless trucks on highways before they are ready. The organization, which represents small-business truckers, issued a Call to Action on Wednesday, April 22. “Self-driving trucking fleets are seeking an exemption from warning device regulations to remove human operators from trucks,” OOIDA wrote on its Fighting For Truckers website. “Tell FMCSA NO!” According to the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, 86% of Americans said they are concerned about driverless tractor-trailers and delivery trucks. The regulation The rule, which aims to alert other drivers when a commercial motor vehicle is stopped, requires the driver to take immediate action. Whenever a commercial motor vehicle is stopped upon the traveled portion or the shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops, the driver shall, as soon as possible, but in any event within 10 minutes, place the warning devices … in the following manner: - One on the traffic side and four paces

Zelos Technology Targets $600 Million Hong Kong IPO With <b>Autonomous</b> Delivery Scale

Zelos Technology Targets $600 Million Hong Kong IPO With Autonomous Delivery Scale Zelos Technology is moving closer to public markets at a moment when investor attention around automation and logistics could be building. The Chinese robovan operator is reportedly working with banks on a potential Hong Kong listing that could raise about $600 million, according to people familiar with the matter. Discussions are still ongoing, and key elements such as timing and deal size may shift, suggesting the process remains in an early and somewhat flexible stage. What stands out is how Zelos is positioning itself within the autonomous delivery ecosystem. The company, formally known as Jiushi Suzhou Intelligent Technology Co., supplies Level 4 autonomous delivery trucks, targeting a segment that could benefit from rising demand for efficiency in logistics. It has also drawn backing from Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.'s BABA logistics arm Cainiao, which became a shareholder earlier this year through an undisclosed cash injection, potentially reinforcing its strategic ties within a broader commerce infrastructure. Scale appears to be a central part of the investment narrative. Founded in 2021, Zelos has built a fleet of more than 25,000 robovans operating across mainland China, while also expanding into parts of Southeast Asia and the Middle East, including Singapore and the UAE. That footprint could position the company as a notable participant in the autonomous logistics space if it proceeds with a listing, although investors may still weigh execution factors and evolving regulatory conditions tied to driverless delivery systems.

Vale brings future mining with AI, <b>autonomous trucks</b>, circularity, and experience in the ...

At the world’s largest industrial fair, Vale places the future with AI at the center of its stand and connects mining, energy transition, innovation, and environmental protection in the Amazon The mining company Vale participated in Hannover Messe, in Germany, considered the world’s largest industrial fair, to present what it calls the “mining of the future,” with less environmental impact and more technology. The exhibited proposal includes the use of future with AI in process stages, in addition to autonomous equipment, production circularity, and an immersive experience that takes visitors to “enter” the Amazon rainforest, where the company maintains one of its main iron ore operations. Vale’s presence at the event also had a political and symbolic component. According to the presented report, President Lula visited the company’s stand at the inauguration of Hannover Messe. In an exclusive interview with correspondent Américo Martins, Vale’s technical vice-president, Rafael Bitar, stated that the company wanted to show the strategic relevance of mining to the world, especially in the context of the energy transition, as minerals are the basis for technologies linked to a cleaner energy matrix. What Vale calls the future with AI in mining For Vale, the “mining of the future” is not limited to the mine. Rafael Bitar describes the concept as an integrated vision, connecting mining, sustainability, shared value, workforce, and intelligent operations. The central message is that there is no technology without mining, and that the demand for metals tends to grow in the coming years. - Scientists have discovered the switch that melanoma uses to create its own blood vessels and at the same time block the immune cells that should destroy it. - A phenomenon never before seen by astronomers: comet 41P almost stops in space, reverses its rotation, and surprises Hubble - Scientists collected bacteria

FVF Law experts share concerns as <b>driverless</b> freight <b>trucks</b> hit Texas highways

FVF Law experts share concerns as driverless freight trucks hit Texas highways As technology continues to reshape transportation, autonomous vehicles are no longer limited to passenger cars. Driverless freight trucks are already operating on Texas highways — and experts say the state is leading the way in this rapidly evolving industry. FVF Law co-founders Josh Fogelman and Aaron Von Flatern joined Trevor Scott to unpack this complicated topic. A Growing Presence on Texas Roads According to industry insights, multiple companies are currently testing and operating autonomous semi-trucks in Texas. These vehicles are capable of “Level 4 autonomy,” meaning they can drive themselves without human intervention under certain conditions. “Freight is already moving through our communities,” said Von Flatern, "A building-sized vehicle going 75mph down the highway with no driver at all, completely driving itself without even a remote operator, that is happening right now. There are eight different companies that are registered in Texas to operate autonomous trucks, and this freight is moving through our communities already. The biggest companies have already logged over a million miles of level four autonomy trucking in Texas, which is leading the world." Texas has become a hub for this technology, with several companies registered to operate driverless trucks — putting the state at the forefront of innovation. Potential Benefits and Concerns Supporters of autonomous trucking point to safety as a major potential benefit. Large commercial trucks are involved in a significant number of serious crashes each year, and automation could help reduce human error, a leading cause of accidents. However, experts say there are still many unanswered questions. “There are a lot of unknowns,” said Fogelman. "We're optimistic about the ultimate outcome, but there are a lot of unknowns. And that's kind of the problem. What happens in the event of a crash?

DOT rule on stopped commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)

Dear Secretary Duffy, I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for exempting self-driving, autonomous trucks from existing rules requiring the placement of steady- burning warning devices around stopped commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Law enforcement and the public must adapt to continuing advances in automotive technology. There are already self-driving vehicles on American highways, and even more are on the way. When CMV drivers stop on a shoulder or roadway, they are required to place flares, reflective triangles, or similar warning signs within a certain distance of the stopped vehicle. Clearly this rule cannot apply to autonomous commercial vehicles. For this reason, the Federal Carrier Motor Safety Administration (FCMSA) is considering an exemption to this rule (Docket FMCSA-2026-0958) for autonomous CMVs operated by a Level 4 Automated Driving System (ADS). These vehicles, when stopped, would immediately deploy cab- mounted warning beacons, which improves the visibility of a CMV stopped roadside for all road users, including law enforcement officers. Independent research supports the assertion that the proposed cab-mounted warning beacons achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety provided by the current requirements. By granting the proposed exemption, the FMCSA would authorize the use of an alternative method for warning motorists of the presence of a stopped CMV that achieves the underlying regulation’s safety purpose. On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I urge the FMCSA to grant this petition to support roadside safety for law enforcement and the motoring public, and as a step toward collecting data that can support a broader rulemaking effort to update FMCSA’s current regulation on warning devices for all CMVs. I thank you for considering our views on

HPH Trust announces launch of Hong Kong's first <b>autonomous truck</b> fleet

Hutchison Port Holdings Trust (HPH Trust) has unveiled a fleet of zero-emission autonomous trucks in Hong Kong. The AI-powered innovation is designed for efficient container transportation at all terminals, and supports the city’s objectives of smarter and greener port terminal operations. The launch ceremony was officiated by Liu Chun San, undersecretary for transport and logistics in the HKSAR government and Ivor Chow, CEO of HPH Trust and managing director of Hongkong International Terminals (HIT). The autonomous truck (AT) fleet vehicles, designed without a driver’s cab, can operate alongside conventional vehicles in a mixed-traffic mode called ‘true’. Powered by AI-driven algorithms, binocular cameras, advanced sensors and precise positioning systems, The ATs reportedly delivers 24/7 all-weather performance, with built-in obstacle detection and emergency response systems. San said, “This innovative initiative is a proactive response to the government’s vision for promoting green and smart shipping, setting a good example for promoting the sustainable development and technological advancement of the Hong Kong Port.” Chow said, “We are not just launching a fleet of trucks; we are launching a new generation of port technology. These AI-powered, 5G-connected autonomous trucks are designed to operate seamlessly alongside conventional vehicles. “This initiative advances the smart transformation of the logistics industry in line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and aligns with the HKSAR government’s Green Port Development policies.” Currently, six units of ATs are in operation at Terminal 4. HPH Trust plans to expand the fleet and enhance its green technology portfolio to advance sustainability across terminal operations. This will include the introduction of e-trucks, e-reach stackers and associated battery swapping stations. In related news, DHL Freight restructures European road freight portfolio

Ford CEO: Tesla Is No Longer The EV Benchmark

Ford CEO: Tesla Is No Longer The EV Benchmark Instead, Ford says it's focused on beating Chinese automakers like BYD and Xiaomi. THE BREAKDOWN: - Ford CEO Jim Farley said he’s no longer paying attention to Tesla. - He notes that the company does not have an updated vehicle. - Ford is benchmarking itself against BYD, China’s best-selling automaker. For the last decade or longer, Tesla has set the bar for electric vehicles. Even though the brand has been around since the mid-2000s, launching the Lotus-based Roadster in 2008, it wasn’t until the 2010s that the rest of the industry started to pay attention. But according to one CEO, Tesla isn't as competitive these days. Ford CEO Jim Farley has spoken at great length about his admiration for Chinese EVs. He's even recently been testing the Xiaomi SU7, which he says is the new benchmark. On the Rapid Response podcast, the Blue Oval's boss said: 'If you’re an American and you want us to beat the Chinese in the car business, you’ll want to pay attention, not necessarily to Tesla. Nothing against Tesla. They are doing great, but you know, they really don’t have an updated vehicle.' Tesla Model Y Standard Tesla's Troubles Tesla hasn’t launched a new vehicle since the bungled Cybertruck, and the automaker just thoroughly updated the Model Y, its best-selling vehicle, for the first time since its 2020 launch. There have been rumors that the automaker would launch a cheaper EV, but it has yet to materialize, allowing Chinese automakers to pull further ahead. The Chinese automotive industry is now setting the expectations for EVs. According to Farley, Ford is targeting BYD, calling the brand "the best in the business for us" in terms of cost, supply chain, and manufacturing expertise. It is the best-selling automaker

&lt;IPO&gt; Mainland <b>Autonomous Truck</b> Operator Zelos Technology Reportedly Plans HK Listing ...

Latest Search Quote | Back Zoom + Zoom - Top | | | <IPO>CN Robovan Operator, Zelos Technology, Reportedly Plans HK IPO to Raise ~USD600M Recommend 6 Positive 12 Negative 4 | | | Chinese robovan operator, Zelos Technology, is planning to list in Hong Kong, which may raise approx. US$600 million, Bloomberg quoted insiders as saying. The Company is in discussions with banks regarding the potential listing. Founded in 2021, Zelos Technology operates more than 25,000 vehicles in mainland China, providing L4 (highly automated) delivery trucks. Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, became a shareholder in the Company this year through a capital injection of an undisclosed amount. Auto-translated by AI AASTOCKS Financial News | |

The Rivian R2 Just Officially Entered Production

Rivian Has Started R2 Production. Customer Deliveries Are 'On Track' For This Spring Rivian prepares for its Tesla moment as the R2 production officially kicks off. Deliveries are "on track" for later this spring. - Rivian has officially kicked off production of the R2 this week. - The automaker says that deliveries will begin later this spring. - Those who reserved an R2 will be invited to configure their vehicles starting in June. The Rivian R2 has finally entered production, the company announced on Wednesday. Just days after a tornado tore off part of the roof in the section of its Normal, Illinois, factory that is dedicated to R2 production, the automaker haa actual customer cars rolling off the line. In a blog post, Rivian said it is "on track" for customer deliveries to begin later this spring. "As these first vehicles undergo their final quality and validation checks internally, our focus is sharpening toward the next big horizon: public customer deliveries," Rivian said. Rivian CFO Claire McDonough told Reuters that customers will receive their invitations to configure their R2s beginning in June. Deliveries of the Model-Y-sized crossover will begin with the Launch Edition of the R2 Performance. This $57,990 trim packs a 3.6-second zero-to-60 MPH sprint thanks to its dual-motors pumping out 656 horsepower, and a competent 330 miles of range. It also gets semi-active suspension, rear drop glass, dynamic lighting, and other creature comforts. Rivian will launch a lower-cost Premium trim in late 2026 for $53,990, followed by its R2 Standard (priced at $48,490) in the first half of 2027. Its promised $45,000 model won't arrive until late 2027, Rivian has said. By that time, Rivian's cost savings on the R2 is expected to be substantial. In fact, McDonough says that once the R2 reaches its full production

Texas DMV begins authorizing automated motor vehicles

Texas legislators took notice of the surge in automated motor vehicles using state roadways and took action to support their operations while ensuring safety and compliance. Last year, legislators passed Senate Bill 2807, which requires companies that operate automated motor vehicles commercially in Texas to transport goods or passengers to obtain authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The department is currently accepting applications for the authorization before statewide enforcement begins on May 28. The new application system establishes a statewide framework for commercial automated motor vehicle operations and compliance with safety, legal and reporting requirements on public roads. Dan Goff, vice president of external affairs at Kodiak Robotics, said this legislation replaces legislation passed in 2017 that made Texas one of the first states to authorize automated vehicles. “We know more about how to regulate automated vehicles,” he told the Reporter-Telegram in a telephone interview. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Goff said his company supports the new legislation, calling it a great step forward in overseeing automated vehicles. Kodiak intends to submit its application in the coming days, he said. “This provides a more permanent structure for the industry. That’s the goal and Texas legislation has succeeded in bringing companies like Kodiak to Texas,” he continued. The company was operating 20 autonomous trucks in the Permian Basin as of the end of 2025, delivering frac sand throughout the region. “They’re working around the clock, which reflects how the industry operates,” he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of the top areas for the industry to focus on is ensuring interactions with first responders go smoothly, Goff said. Kodiak employs retired law enforcement officers who help train first responders to understand how automated vehicles operate and how to interact with

Volvo Redesigns the VNR With Drivers and Tight Turns in Mind | Heavy Duty Trucking

The first thing that struck me about the redesigned Volvo VNR wasn’t what had changed. It was how familiar it felt. Volvo Redesigns the VNR With Drivers and Tight Turns in Mind At Volvo’s New River Valley customer center, the all-new VNR proves that maneuverability, safety, and driver confidence can coexist in a regional-haul workhorse. Parked at Volvo Trucks’ Customer Center here in Virginia, the new VNR carries a strong family resemblance to the recently redesigned VNL. That’s no accident. The two trucks now share a common platform and underlying architecture, bringing Volvo’s latest technologies, safety systems, and design philosophy into the regional-haul segment. But while the DNA may be shared, the mission is not. “The VNL is our flagship,” said Maddie Sullivan, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks North America. “But the VNR has incredible maneuverability and the ability to adapt to its environment.” That adaptability was on full display during my test drive, which included both a road course and a simulated urban track designed to replicate the tight, unpredictable conditions regional-haul drivers face every day. Designed for Tight Spaces and Real Work Climbing into the VNR is easy and secure. The steps and grab-handles are ergonomically spaced for safe and easy entry and exits in and out of the cab. And that’s an important detail for a truck built around frequent stops and starts. Within seconds, I had the seat and steering wheel dialed in and felt completely at home behind the wheel. From the driver’s seat, the forward visibility is exceptional. A feature that is one of the VNR’s defining traits. The view over the nose is remarkably similar to what you’d expect to see sitting in a cabover. It’s that good. That visibility advantage starts with the VNR’s flatter hood design, which isn’t just a

The Smart Car Is Finally Tiny Again

The Smart Car Is Finally Tiny Again It has more than double the range of the old electric ForTwo. The Breakdown - The Smart ForTwo returns with a new name: Smart #2. - This concept will be followed by a production model in September. - Designed by Mercedes, the new two-door EV is estimated to offer 186 miles of range. The Smart brand has changed radically since 2019, when Mercedes and Geely established a 50:50 joint venture. Production now takes place exclusively in China, and all models are significantly larger and heavier than their predecessors. The company currently has a pair of SUVs and even a sedan nearly as long as the current-generation E-Class. The new Smart #2 marks a return to form, successfully reviving the spirit of the original ForTwo in both styling and footprint. Designed by Mercedes, the tiny two-door hatchback clearly pays homage to its predecessor, which debuted in 1999 and spanned three generations before being retired in 2024. While earlier models offered gasoline and even diesel engines, the fourth generation will be exclusively electric. The Smart #2 picks up where the EQ ForTwo left off, featuring pronounced wheel arches and extremely short overhangs. Some design elements are deliberately exaggerated, as this is still a concept. The production version will debut in October at the Paris Motor Show. It will be built from the ground up as an EV on what Smart calls the Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform. While the old EQ ForTwo managed just 84 miles (135 kilometers) on a single charge, its spiritual successor targets more than double that figure: 186 miles (300 kilometers). However, this range estimate comes from Smart and is not WLTP-certified. Even so, a substantial improvement over its predecessor is expected, given the rapid advancements in battery technology in recent

PlusAI, Churchill Capital call off merger

PlusAI and Churchill Capital Corp IX have mutually agreed to terminate a merger agreement citing market conditions, according to an April 21 securities filing. The parties agreed to end the deal on April 20, per the filing. The move comes ahead of a previously scheduled April 24 general shareholders meeting, which now is canceled. Despite the setback, PlusAI remains “committed to and focused on the commercial launch of autonomous trucks in 2027, starting in Texas and growing from there,” a company spokesperson said in an email to Trucking Dive. Terminating the merger will not affect PlusAI’s partnership with Traton Group, the spokesperson said. The Volkswagen Group affiliate in January pledged $25 million to aid the company in scaling production of autonomous trucks. PlusAI continues to demonstrate significant commercial momentum and remains positioned for long-term growth, the company said in a statement. The company’s other partners include International brands, Hyundai Motor Co., Iveco Group, NVIDIA, Bosch, DSV and Goodyear. However, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency in a blog post previously noted the financial implications of autonomous trucking are multifaceted and involve significant initial investments and well as long-term savings. Stakeholders should consider the costs and stay informed about technology advancements and regulatory developments, the group said. “As the industry continues to evolve, the financial landscape of autonomous trucking will likely become clearer, offering new opportunities for those willing to embrace this cutting-edge technology,” Dean Bushey, NACFE’s director of programs, wrote in the blog. Nonetheless, David Liu, PlusAI CEO and co-founder, in a statement said the company expects revenue growth this year and continued growth in 2027. The recent launch of the latest version of its SuperDrive autonomous driving software is proving itself in commercial operations today, Liu said. During a business update call on April 7, Liu noted its

GM Just Canceled The Next-Gen Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, And GMC Sierra EV

GM Just Postponed The Next-Gen Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, And GMC Sierra EV: Report (Updated) The current Silverado EV, Sierra EV, and Hummer EV successors are on hold, a report said Wednesday. General Motors has delayed its planned next-generation electric trucks, leaving the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and GMC Hummer EV with no planned direct successor, Crain's Detroit Business reported on Tuesday. [Correction: Tuesday April 21, 7:28 ET: An original version of this story mistakenly reported that GM had confirmed the news, and that the trucks were canceled. The company has not, and the story is based on sources cited by Crain's, who claim the program is suspended.] This would be a massive reversal for a company that has aggressively pursued the market for large, high-range electric trucks and SUVs. Versions of the Chevrolet and GMC trucks can go over 400 miles on a charge and weigh over 9,000 pounds. They are massive, excessive, expensive products, with unmatched towing range, tons of power, and 350-kilowatt fast charging. Gallery: 2026 GMC Hummer EV Unfortunately, though, it looks like that may not be enough in today's electric truck market. Ford has already canceled the all-electric F-150 Lightning and its planned electric successor. Crosstown rival Ram also killed the purely electric version of its 1500 truck, with both it and Ford opting to build "extended range electric vehicle" versions instead. GM wouldn't confirm to Crain's if it was pursuing the same path, merely said that it hasn't canceled any of its electric trucks. "GM has not cancelled any electric trucks," GM spokesman Kevin Kelly told InsideEVs via email. "EVs remain the end game for GM and we are firmly committed to our award-winning electric truck and SUV portfolio, along with our advanced technology roadmap." Gallery: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV

Seeds | DeepWay Raises Over $310 Million in Total Pre-IPO Financing | Gasgoo

Gasgoo Munich-Gasgoo reported on April 21 that DeepWay has secured a significant injection in its latest Pre-IPO round. The company has now raised more than $310 million in total — marking the largest single financing round in the autonomous heavy-duty truck sector in five years. The round was led by the UAE's Stone Capital, with participation from prominent Australian pension fund NGS Super and Xiamen Guosheng Fund. Existing backers ABC Impact, an Asian impact private equity fund, and Nanjing Ronghe Venture Capital also increased their stakes. Proceeds will primarily fuel DeepWay's autonomous driving R&D and the global commercial rollout of its unmanned freight robots. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Hefei, DeepWay specializes in new energy heavy-duty trucks and smart highway freight solutions. It stands as the first company globally to engineer smart new energy heavy trucks from the ground up and achieve mass delivery. Notably, DeepWay secured a "white-box" autonomous technology license from Baidu at its inception — the only such authorization Baidu has granted for commercial vehicles. This made DeepWay the first company to materialize Baidu's "Apollo X Plan." The startup was founded by Wan Jun, who also established Shiqiao Group, while its CTO, Tian Shan, previously led Baidu's commercial vehicle autonomous driving unit. About Seeds Discovery: Gasgoo's Seeds Discovery column is designed to connect startups with ecosystem partners, investors, and local governments, empowering the entire automotive supply chain. Since its launch, the initiative has sought out innovative companies, technologies, and business models that are shaping the intelligent transformation of the industry. According to Gasgoo, nearly every startup featured in Seeds Discovery has successfully integrated with key industrial ecosystem resources.

Komatsu's 1,000 <b>autonomous</b> ultra-class <b>trucks</b>: haul road design notes for engineers

Komatsu’s 1,000 autonomous ultra-class trucks: haul road design notes for engineers Reviewed by Tom Sullivan First reported on International Mining – News 30 Second Briefing Komatsu has commissioned its 1,000th autonomous ultra-class haul truck fitted with the FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System, marking a major scale-up of driverless haulage fleets since its first commercial deployment in 2008. FrontRunner is now operating across multiple large open-pit mines, integrating with fleet management, high-precision GPS and obstacle detection to control truck speed, loading points and dump locations. For mine planners and geotechnical teams, the growing density of autonomous 220–400 t class trucks intensifies requirements for precisely designed haul road geometry, berms and traffic management to maintain system performance. Technical Brief - Collision-avoidance and obstacle-detection sensors are integrated with truck control, constraining allowable berm encroachments and windrow gaps. - System logic enforces fixed loading and dumping envelopes, tightening tolerances on shovel pad geometry and dump crest stability. - Autonomous speed and spacing rules increase sensitivity to haul road rutting, potholes and localised differential settlement. - Geotechnical monitoring near dumps and ramps must account for continuous, uniform traffic patterns rather than variable human driving. Our Take Komatsu’s milestone in commissioning 1,000 autonomous ultra-class trucks sits alongside other recent product moves in our database, such as the PC9000-12 launch, signalling a push to pair autonomy with larger loading tools for very high‑throughput mines. The 2008 start date for Komatsu’s commercial autonomous solution gives it one of the longest operating datasets among OEMs in our Mining coverage, which likely strengthens its pitch on proven safety and productivity performance to fleet buyers like Tungsten West at Hemerdon. With Komatsu equipment also being deployed in UK projects from Hemerdon’s tungsten–tin restart to civil works covered in New Civil Engineer, widespread familiarity with the brand may ease acceptance of autonomous haulage

Conquering bad roads with BYD's electrified lineup

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