Pony.ai’s Post

#LegendCapital #PortfolioNews Our portfolio company, Pony.ai, has become the first company in China to receive approval to test "driver out" operations in a "1+N" platoon on a cross-provincial expressway connecting Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. This milestone marks significant progress in the company’s autonomous trucking business and will help further reduce costs in freight transportation. In partnership with Sinotrans, Pony.ai's fleet of robotrucks has been transporting goods between Beijing and Tianjin, completing nearly 500 TEUs and accumulating over 45,000 kilometers of autonomous driving. By the end of 2024, Pony.ai’s fleet has traveled more than 5 million kilometers and transported over 860 million ton-kilometers of cargo. Congrats! #Robotruck #AutonomousTrucking

Long distance driving will ultimately be dealt with new technology.

🚛 Pony.ai Achieves Major Milestone in Autonomous Truck Platooning! 🚛 We are thrilled to announce that Pony.ai has achieved a significant breakthrough in autonomous trucking by becoming the first company authorized to conduct platooning tests with follow vehicles operating with an empty driver's seat in China. This marks a critical step toward the large-scale commercialization of autonomous trucking. What is Truck Platooning "1+N"? Truck platooning "1+N" involves one lead truck guiding multiple autonomous follow vehicles without drivers in the driver's seat. This innovative approach reduces logistics costs and enhances efficiency by enabling fully driverless operations for follow vehicles. Testing Locations: Pony.ai is conducting driverless platooning tests and freight services on the Jingjintang Expressway, covering the Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei regions. Impressive Achievements: - Over 5 million kilometers covered in road tests. - Nearly 500 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo transported. - More than 860 million tonne-kilometers of goods moved. This milestone demonstrates Pony.ai's commitment to advancing autonomous trucking technology and paving the way for a future of efficient, cost-effective, and fully autonomous logistics operations. Source: https://lnkd.in/gvZ2b6f5 #AutonomousTrucking #Innovation #Technology #Logistics #PonyAI #TruckPlatooning

Pony.ai is very pleased to share that on January 15th it renewed its joint venture (called Cyantron) with Sinotrans, one of China’s leading logistics and freight forwarding companies. Sinotrans is one of Pony.ai’s most important strategic partners. Through this renewed joint venture and deepened strategic cooperation, Pony.ai and Sinotrans will rapidly accelerate toward their goal: the large-scale commercialization of autonomous trucks and the shaping of a new smart logistics industry. Cyantron is a provider of AD-TaaS (Autonomous Driving Transportation as a Service) and has built a smart, efficient, safe and green logistics road transport network and will continue to grow China’s largest robotruck fleet. With over 190 robotrucks, Cyantron has China’s largest robotruck fleet and operates China’s longest autonomous driving commercial trucking route. As of the end of December 2024, they traveled more than 5 million autonomous driving kilometers (over 3.1 million miles) of road tests, total operating mileage of over 57 million kilometers (over 35.4 million miles) and transported more than 860 million ton-kilometers of cargo.

In addition to electrification, automation will also drive down logistics costs (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). Q1: "This approval allows the company to operate a convoy of trucks, with only the lead truck requiring a safety operator, while the following trucks drive autonomously." Q2: "The tests will take place on the Beijing-Tianjin-Tanggu Expressway, a significant step in Pony AI's strategy to commercialize autonomous trucking." Q3: "Pony AI has been active in the autonomous trucking space, having completed nearly 500 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) of freight orders and logged over 45,000 kilometers in its cross-provincial freight service between Beijing and Tianjin, in collaboration with Sinotrans Limited, a major Chinese logistics firm." Q4: "Since its inception, Pony AI's robotrucks have covered more than 5 million kilometers and transported over 860 million freight ton-kilometers. The next phase of Pony AI's operations will focus on achieving fully driverless fleets to advance the mass commercialization of autonomous trucks." https://lnkd.in/enx7MRGC

🚨Japan announces an automated cargo corridor Here's what you need to know: → Japan aims to establish an automated freight corridor between Tokyo and Osaka, tackling the country’s truck driver shortage →24/7, unmanned cargo transport system along a dedicated three-lane corridor → This corridor, dubbed a “conveyor belt road,” is expected to streamline freight movement and reduce CO₂ emissions → Test runs are set for 2027, with full operation targeted by the mid-2030s My thoughts: Japan’s accelerated push towards autonomous vehicles is not just a technological ambition it’s a direct response to urgent socio-economic challenges. The project itself addresses Japan’s severe driver shortage, which could lead to a 34% shortfall in trucking capacity by 2030, according to Bank of America. This shortage is further intensified by an aging workforce and new labor laws, introduced in April 2024, that enforce stricter limits on overtime for truck drivers. These regulations, while improving driver well-being, have reduced available trucking capacity by an estimated 14% this year alone. Placing even more pressure on Japan’s logistics network to remain efficient and reliable. Innovative solutions like autonomous vehicles have become essential to meet these demands. By establishing dedicated corridors for automated cargo movement, Japan is leveraging technology to alleviate immediate logistical pressures while paving the way for a long-term transition in the sector. As Yuri Endo, a senior director at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, notes, this “auto flow road” is designed to create dedicated logistics spaces within the road network, facilitating continuous, unmanned cargo transport. Human drivers may still handle last-mile deliveries, but Japan’s vision signals a proactive government response to structural challenges in the labor market and logistics infrastructure. Japan’s approach offers a promising model for other nations, such as Switzerland and Great Britain, who are exploring similar autonomous solutions. The broader recognition of autonomous driving technology’s value in supporting national logistics frameworks suggests that these advancements may set new standards for global supply chains. Could similar autonomous logistics systems help address labor shortages and sustainability goals in other countries?

🚛 Autonomous trucking is transforming supply chain logistics! DHL Supply Chain and Volvo Autonomous Solutions are breaking new ground in Texas by deploying autonomous trucks powered by the Aurora Driver. This partnership aims to tackle freight capacity challenges and drive efficiency gains in supply chain operations. The potential for enhanced sustainability and reliability in freight transportation is incredible! At Carolina Handling, we share this passion for innovation. Our material handling solutions—including automation, racking systems, and warehouse optimization tools—are designed to help businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. As the supply chain continues to embrace cutting-edge technology, we’re proud to support businesses in achieving their goals with efficient and forward-thinking solutions. Let’s keep driving the future of logistics forward! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ewxY_3m4

🚚🤖 Exciting developments are unfolding in Texas, which is quickly becoming a hotbed for driverless truck technology. Companies like Waabi and Aurora Innovation are leading the charge, transforming how we think about logistics and goods transportation. 🚛💡 Why this matters: The advent of driverless trucks, supported by advanced AI, is poised to revolutionize logistics by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. These trucks offer high uptime and flexible scheduling, which could drastically alter route planning and goods shipment. 🔍 Our take: With significant investments and robust infrastructure already underway, especially in Texas, we might soon see these autonomous behemoths becoming a regular feature on our highways. For those of us in logistics, this means rethinking traditional strategies... imagine trucks that operate nearly 24/7 without breaking Hours of Service regulations. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gScvM2XC #Trucking #AutonomousVehicles #Logistics #Innovation #TexasTech

🚨 South Korea plans autonomous trucks on highways Here's what you need to know: → Long-distance freight operations using self-driving trucks will be trialed on key logistics routes, covering 358 km along the Gyeongbu and Jungbu expressways. → Six new AV test zones have been designated, including Suwon, Hwaseong, Yongin, and Seoul's Dongjak district. →Existing zones in Gyeongju and Seoul have also been expanded. My thoughts: It’s exciting to see more countries recognizing the strategic value of autonomous trucks in long-distance freight. South Korea’s initiative highlights how governments are beginning to embrace the potential of this technology not just for innovation but also for solving real-world challenges like driver shortages and logistical efficiency. This momentum aligns with a broader trend: autonomous trucking is steadily gaining recognition as a cornerstone for future logistics. While the pace of adoption varies across regions, the growing investment in trials and infrastructure signals that key players are preparing for a transformative shift in the industry. The question now is not if autonomous trucks will become mainstream, but when—and which countries will lead in making this a reality. What’s your take? Which country do you think will lead the charge on autonomous trucking?

Autonomous delivery vehicles? More like ‘human-powered’ when it comes to stairs! 🚗🪜 Sometimes tech needs a little help from its friends. 🙋♂️ You say, cool or not? 👇 "I get by with a little help from my friends" - The Beatles Talking about autonomous vehicles – they are everywhere in China today – patrolling the streets, selling snacks, making public announcements in parks and delivering small parcels. McDonald's China, for say, even has their own driverless mini food truck fleet that sends you nuggets. Happy Friday! 🥳🥳 Video via Douyin #China #logistics #supplychain #lastmile #autonomous #driverless #vehicles #delivery #ecommerce #AI #mcdonalds _____ 🛎 Follow my hashtag #Danirnautalks on LinkedIn for daily China Supply Chain, Transportation and Logistics insights 👇 Share your thoughts and let's chat in the comments below