WeRide, a Chinese autonomous driving tech startup, has recently unveiled its latest production robotaxi, the GXR. The company claims that the GXR is the world’s most spacious production robotaxi to date, measuring 5,018 mm in length, with a cabin clearance of 1,340 mm and a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.
Unlike other robotaxis in the market that feature smaller sedan, SUV, or mini van designs, the GXR boasts a typical MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) exterior. One of the standout features of the GXR is the elimination of the first row passenger seat, making it the first of its kind in the industry. This design choice allows for more space for passengers, enhancing comfort during rides.
The GXR is equipped with WeRide’s full-scenario L4 autonomous driving hardware and software systems, which include redundancy in core systems such as the computing unit and braking for improved safety. The robotaxi also features Sensor Suite 5.6, a sensor suite with over 20 sensors including LiDAR, HD high dynamic camera, and RTK high precision combined inertial guidance module. This setup provides 360° scanning of the surroundings and can sense objects up to 200 meters ahead. Additionally, the GXR is powered by the HPC 2.0 computing platform, delivering over 1,300 TOPS of AI computing power to meet the vehicle’s computing needs.
WeRide emphasizes that the GXR’s L4 autonomous driving capability enables it to handle complex scenarios with ease, including morning and evening rush hour, mixed pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and nighttime highway driving. Once the robotaxi officially opens for public operation, passengers will be able to experience the model through WeRide’s mobile app in China.
Founded in 2017, WeRide offers a range of autonomous driving products, including robotaxis, mini robobuses, robovans, robo street sweepers, and SAE L2-L4 solutions for high-level intelligent driving. The company is currently testing and operating autonomous driving in 30 cities across seven countries and holds autonomous driving test licenses in four countries – China, the US, the UAE, and Singapore – simultaneously.
WeRide recently announced a strategic partnership with Uber to advance the use of its self-driving vehicles on Uber’s platform. The partnership will first be executed in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, by the end of this year, with a fleet of WeRide self-driving vehicles available on the Uber App to offer services.
Overall, WeRide’s GXR represents a significant advancement in the field of autonomous driving technology, offering a spacious and safe ride experience for passengers. The company’s commitment to innovation and safety underscores its position as a key player in the autonomous driving industry.
