Chinese ride-hailing behemoth Didi Global announced on Thursday its collaboration with several domestic car manufacturers to develop self-produced robotaxis, with plans for a 2025 launch. During the company event, which was live-streamed, Didi unveiled a concept vehicle with robotic arms dubbed "Didi Neuron."
Meng Xing, COO of Didi Autonomous Driving, shared during the event that the firm is partnering with multiple Chinese new energy carmakers to develop the robotaxis. "We hope they can enter Didi's network and provide services by 2025," he said. Meng also expressed the desire for these vehicles to be produced domestically, with a controllable supply chain and at least 90% of key components sourced within the country.
The "Didi Neuron" concept car featured robotic arms designed to assist passengers with their luggage. The blue and white vehicle lacked a driver's seat to optimize passenger space.
Additionally, Didi presented a lidar sensor and a car computing device at the event. These products signify considerable advancements in the company's autonomous driving plan, as it seeks to make headway after nearly two years of regulatory challenges.
Since 2016, Didi has been developing and testing autonomous driving vehicles (AV). Its AV unit has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in investments from firms such as IDG Capital and Guotai Junan. In select areas of Shanghai and Guangzhou, users can hail self-driving cars through Didi's primary app. Geely-owned Swedish carmaker Volvo supplies the vehicles for Didi's self-driving fleet.
Didi faced regulatory difficulties in 2021 when it proceeded with a U.S. stock listing against the wishes of Chinese regulators, according to sources. Consequently, China's cyberspace watchdog initiated a cybersecurity investigation into the company, leading to the removal of its 25 mobile apps from app stores and a suspension of new user registration.
Following a $1.2 billion fine for data-security violations and delisting from New York, Didi was allowed to resume new user registrations in January.
