TuSimple Holdings announced on Thursday its rebranding to CreateAI and a strategic shift from autonomous trucking to artificial intelligence applications in gaming and animation. The decision comes as the company seeks to explore new opportunities following a period of regulatory scrutiny and operational challenges.
CEO Cheng Lu stated in an interview with Reuters that the transition builds on the company’s existing AI capabilities. CreateAI plans to utilize its newly developed AI model, Ruyi, to produce and publish video game and anime content. The company’s business plan highlights the global gaming market’s estimated value of $200 billion in 2023 as a key factor in the pivot.
The rebranding follows a series of challenges for TuSimple, including its delisting from Nasdaq earlier this year and ongoing legal disputes with former CEO Xiaodi Hou and other shareholders. Concerns about shareholder approval and financial oversight have also surfaced as the company navigates its new direction.
CreateAI currently employs 270 staff across China, Japan, and the United States, focusing on research and content production. The company aims to leverage its AI advancements to establish a presence in the gaming and animation industries while addressing its financial and operational hurdles.