Hesai Technology, a global leader in lidar solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Westwell, a renowned provider of autonomous driving solutions. This collaboration aims to integrate Hesai’s advanced lidar technology into a range of applications, including autonomous vehicles, industrial robots, heavy machinery, and smart city infrastructure.
Westwell, which serves over 200 corporate clients across 20 countries, will equip its autonomous driving solutions with Hesai’s cutting-edge lidar products. This move is expected to boost productivity within the supply chain, enhance efficiency, and contribute to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions.
Hesai’s lidar systems are already an integral part of Westwell’s new energy-efficient autonomous driving technologies. These include the Q-Trucks and Q-Tractors, which are being deployed in various high-profile operations. For instance, Westwell operates the largest fleet of Q-Trucks at Felixstowe Port in the UK and has introduced Q-Tractors to support Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL), the largest independent air cargo operator in Hong Kong. The Q-Trucks are also enhancing transport efficiency and promoting carbon reduction in advanced manufacturing plants.
The collaboration leverages Hesai’s XT32 and AT128 lidar models, which are crucial for Westwell’s autonomous vehicles. The XT32 lidar, noted for its precision with a 5 mm range accuracy, provides high-quality point clouds and optical systems. This enables precise data for vehicle alignment and interaction in various operational scenarios. Given that sensors in port environments often face challenges such as vibrations, salt corrosion, and frequent stops, the proprietary technology used in Hesai’s XT and AT series helps to mitigate failure rates and reduce maintenance costs.
Beyond logistics, Hesai’s lidar technology is significantly enhancing industrial robotics. The precision provided by lidar systems facilitates accurate positioning, obstacle avoidance, and navigation, which is crucial for autonomous delivery robots, forklifts, and lawnmowers.
Hesai and Westwell have been collaborating on lidar solutions since 2018. This latest strategic partnership builds on their shared commitment to advancing lidar technology and intelligent solutions on a global scale. The companies aim to continue improving product performance and delivering efficient, reliable solutions to their international customer base.
In summary, this partnership marks a significant step in the evolution of autonomous systems and industrial robotics, underlining the transformative potential of lidar technology in various sectors. As the demand for smarter, more efficient solutions grows, Hesai and Westwell’s collaboration promises to drive further innovation and sustainability in the global market.