Hesai Technology, a provider of lidar technology, has entered into a partnership with autonomous driving company WeRide to equip its vehicles with advanced lidar systems. These vehicles will operate on Uber’s platform in Dubai as part of the city’s plan to have 25% of all trips be autonomous by 2030. The collaboration is aligned with Dubai’s broader strategy to advance smart mobility.
The lidar systems, installed in WeRide’s autonomous vehicles, are designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency. Each vehicle will feature four long-range lidar units, providing precise 3D mapping to assist with navigation and obstacle detection.
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David Li, CEO and Co-Founder of Hesai, said: “We are pleased to support the development of autonomous driving technology in Dubai. Our lidar solutions offer the reliability needed for large-scale autonomous vehicle deployments.”
The partnership between Hesai and WeRide dates back to 2019, when Hesai’s lidar technology was integrated into WeRide’s testing fleets. In 2022, the companies further strengthened their collaboration with an agreement to advance the use of hybrid solid-state lidar for Level 4 (L4) autonomous vehicles. These efforts have contributed to milestones such as the launch of China’s first commercial robotaxi service in Guangzhou.
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This deployment in Dubai marks another step in WeRide’s expansion. The company holds the UAE’s first national license for self-driving vehicles and previously launched a robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business at WeRide, noted: “Dubai offers an opportunity to expand our presence in the Middle East and contribute to the city’s goals for autonomous transportation.”
