Hesai's New Lidar Sees Color, Boosts Autonomous Safety

Hesai, a prominent Chinese lidar manufacturer, has announced a significant technological leap with its new lidar system that can detect color. This advancement is poised to enhance the accuracy and safety of autonomous driving capabilities. The company emphasizes a strategic shift within the Chinese auto industry towards innovation that provides greater value, moving away from a sole focus on cost reduction.

The newly developed EXT lidar, featuring Hesai's proprietary Picasso chip, marks a first in the industry by integrating both spatial and color detection into a single device. This innovative product is scheduled for mass production later in the current year, with anticipated deployment in high-end vehicles by 2027.

Beyond its automotive applications, Hesai is also exploring broader applications for its technology. The company has developed a handheld device named Kosmo, designed to capture real-world 3D data for creating digital twins. This aims to support the development of physical AI systems, including humanoid robots, by providing them with a more comprehensive understanding of their environments.

This announcement comes ahead of a major automotive show in Beijing, where numerous brands are expected to present their latest technological innovations. Hesai's new color-detecting lidar represents a key development in the ongoing evolution of autonomous vehicle technology.