Chinese autonomous driving technology company Pony.ai has partnered with Tencent Cloud and Smart Industries Group, the cloud business division of Tencent Holding, to advance autonomous driving technology.
The collaboration also aims to expedite the commercial deployment of Robotaxi services.
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Pony.ai plans to utilise Tencent’s ecosystem, including Weixin, Tencent Maps, and its capabilities in cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The agreement will see Pony.ai’s Robotaxi services integrated into Tencent’s Weixin “Mobility Services” platform and its digital mapping tool, Tencent Maps.
This integration is expected to widen the reach of Pony.ai’s transportation solutions, offering “safe, efficient, and intelligence” services to a broader user base.
It also aims to spur innovation in operational models, product features, and in-car entertainment systems, enhancing the Robotaxi user experience.
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By GlobalDataPony.ai co-founder and CEO Dr James Peng said: “We are excited to collaborate with Tencent Cloud, a trusted technology partner that shares our vision of bringing safe and intelligent mobility solutions to everyone.
“Tencent’s robust digital ecosystem will enable us to unlock new innovation opportunities and bring Robotaxi services even closer to users. This partnership sets a new milestone, accelerating the path to commercial Robotaxi deployment through user base expansion and platform cooperation while shaping the future of the industry.”
Pony.ai will make use of Tencent’s strengths in cloud computing, big data, virtual simulation, and AI technologies to further enhance its PonyWorld virtual model.
This improvement is aimed at better preparing the model to navigate real-world scenarios.
The companies will jointly develop a high-performance testing and simulation platform designed to support every phase of autonomous vehicle development, from large-scale model training to real-world application.
Tencent Group vice-president Xiangping Zhong said: “Pony.ai stands out as a clear leader in autonomous driving industry, setting benchmarks for technological innovation.
“We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership to support the next phase of Robotaxi development, with Tencent’s strengths in cloud computing, mapping, and smart cabin ecosystems. This collaboration goes beyond mere technical integration, it marks the beginning of a long-term co-innovation journey for our users.”
Earlier this month, Pony.ai Europe secured a testing permit from Luxembourg’s Ministry of Mobility and Public Works for Level 4 autonomous driving.
This approval extends the company’s global testing capabilities, adding to its existing permits in China, the US, and South Korea.
