Smart, an automaker working in Europe and China, has formed a strategic partnership with DeepRoute.ai to develop and integrate advanced autonomous driving technology into its vehicle lineup.
Partnership Details: The collaboration aims to implement DeepRoute’s AI-powered autonomous driving platform across Smart’s vehicle range, building upon existing integration in the Smart #5 SUV.
- The partnership will equip Smart vehicles with the DeepRoute IO intelligent driving platform
- Features include autonomous parking and navigation of complex scenarios like sharp turns, roundabouts, and unmarked roads
- DeepRoute’s technology operates without requiring high-definition mapping
Company Backgrounds: Smart and DeepRoute.ai bring complementary expertise and market presence to the partnership.
- Smart is jointly owned by Mercedes and Geely, with primary markets in Europe and China
- DeepRoute.ai, founded in 2019, maintains offices in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Fremont, California
- The AI company recently secured $100 million in funding led by Great Wall Motor
Technology Implementation: DeepRoute’s autonomous driving solution is gaining significant traction in the automotive industry.
- Over 30,000 vehicles currently use DeepRoute IO technology
- Projections indicate deployment in more than 200,000 vehicles across 10 models by end of 2025
- The partnership will provide additional data from diverse global driving scenarios to optimize the technology
Executive Perspectives: Leadership from both companies emphasizes the strategic importance of the collaboration.
- DeepRoute CEO Maxwell Zhou highlights the partnership’s role in accelerating technology development and global deployment
- Smart CTO Yang Jun focuses on strengthening the company’s position in AI-driven automotive technology
- Smart previously partnered with Mobileye for autonomous driving capabilities
Market Implications: This partnership represents a significant shift in the autonomous driving landscape, particularly as traditional automakers increasingly rely on specialized AI firms for advanced driving capabilities rather than developing solutions in-house.
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