Pony.ai will ramp up both the mass production of its robotaxi, and its commercialization efforts, through the launch of public road testing for its seventh-generation robotaxis in China.
The robotaxis are currently testing on roads in the southern Chinese megacities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, are based on GAC’s second-generation Aion V model, and feature Pony.ai’s latest autonomous driving system. The rollout of this latest testing initiative follows Pony.ai obtaining the necessary regulatory permit to launch it, which the company says marks a key transition from laboratory and closed-track and closed-track validation into real-world traffic environments.
Pony.ai highlighted that the Gen-7 Robotaxi model itself delivers three core advancements against prior generations: the exclusive use of 100% automotive-grade components, a 70% reduction in the BOM costs of the autonomous driving kit compared to previous generation, and enhanced platform-based design enabling rapid adaptation across multiple vehicle models
The AV is equipped with six types of mass-production sensors that together provide 360-degree, blind-spot-free redundant perception. At the same time, in incorporating Pony.ai’s proprietary sensor cleaning solution, the system is capable of operating in adverse weather conditions and extreme scenarios.
The proprietary “PonyWorld” model and reinforcement learning offer further support, helping the robotaxi achieve safety standards that Pony.ai claims can surpass human capabilities while continuously improving its ability to navigate complex, real-world, conditions for full-scenario, all-weather operation.
As it continues working towards its goal to accelerate the widespread adoption of robotaxis, Pony.ai has established deep commercial partnerships with global leaders in technology, mobility services, and deployment platforms. Among these partners are Tencent Cloud, Alipay, Amap, Ruqi Mobility, Shenzhen Xihu Group, Uber, Singapore’s mobility conglomerate ComfortDelGro, and Luxembourg’s Emile Weber.
