WeRide, one of the world’s leading developers of autonomous driving technology, has launched its latest generation of robotaxi, the GXR.
The model is based on the Farizon SuperVAN, which we drove here, which boasts steer-by-wire technology, smart driving features, and enough space to make the GXR the world’s most spacious production robotaxi model to date.
It also takes advantage of the SuperVAN’s comprehensive redundancies to ensure the safety of the product, and integrates into it WeRide’s self-developed full-scene L4-level autonomous driving hardware and software systems, including the next-generation Sensor Suit 5.6 and the HPC 2.0 high-performance computing platform.
With over 1,300 TOPS of AI computing power, the HPC 2.0 computing platform is able to deliver level four autonomous driving capabilities, which means without a driver, even in peak traffic hour, mixed traffic conditions, and during high-speed driving at night.
The next-generation Sensor Suite 5.6 is comprised of over 20 sensors, low-cost LiDAR, high-definition cameras, and an RTK high-precision internal navigation set, giving the GXR 360-degree blind-spot-free perception and the ability to detect objects in the road 200-metres away.
WeRide claims that the GXR offers the highest space efficiency in the Robotaxi industry with half a metre of legroom in the second row and over 40cm of legroom in the third row offering class-leading space, while the the removal of the front passenger seat adds additional luggage storage.
One of the SuperVAN’s unique features is its B-pillar-free design on the passenger side, which is fully tested to match and exceed side impact structural regulations, and which opens up to reveal a 1.831-metre wide and 1.285-metre entryway for passengers and their luggage.
In the place of the front seat, a luggage area capable of accommodating a 22-inch suitcase and a backpack has been installed, which means passengers can enter the vehicle directly with their luggage without needing to go to the back of the product.
As is required, the GXR features a gradual stop button in case passengers need to intervene to safely stop the vehicle, while the soft-edged design elements make the cabin more child-friendly.
Passengers are able to summon a taxi via the WeRide Go App which is already open to the public in several cities, including on autonomous bus routes in Guangzhou. All they need to do is select the pick-up locations and press ‘Call Now’ for the robotaxi to arrive.
WeRide has been operating robotaxis for over 1,800 days and operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the Middle East.
