海角视频-based artificial intelligence (AI) startup Wayve, known for its work on autonomous vehicle systems, has unveiled plans to expedite its global expansion by establishing a new hub in Stuttgart, Germany.
The firm, which enjoys the backing of tech behemoths Uber and Softbank, is currently trialling its AI-driven self-driving technology in Germany and the US, with an eye on forging partnerships with various car manufacturers, as reported by .
Wayve's foray into Germany, Europe's biggest auto market, will enable the company to fine-tune its 'embodied AI' technology, with a focus on lane change assistance that mimics human driving behaviour.
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The Stuttgart hub will also aid in the development of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features and automated driving capabilities.
Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve, hailed Germany as the "perfect place" to fast-track AI-powered driving technology, lauding the country's automotive expertise.
"I look forward to partnering with Germany's world-leading manufacturers and tier one suppliers to bring safe, scalable and production ready AI software to vehicles worldwide", he stated.
The new location will provide Wayve with access to top-notch engineering talent and regulatory support for its vehicle testing.
This announcement comes on the heels of a significant $1bn funding round spearheaded by Softbank, with contributions from tech giants Microsoft and Nvidia, making it one of Europe's largest investments.
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Wayve also added Uber to its roster of investors last August, amid surging interest in an AI-centric approach to autonomous driving.
Launched in 2017, Wayve stands out as a front-runner among Europe's autonomous vehicle manufacturers. The company is in direct competition with American heavyweights such as Tesla and Alphabet's Waymo, not to mention rivals in China like BYD.
Setting itself apart from Waymo's pricey, sensor-laden tactic, Wayve opts for a cost-effective, camera-based AI technology that progressively learns from hands-on driving experience. The firm has made inroads into the US market by setting up shop in Silicon Valley and deploying test drives of its fleet in San Francisco.
Ambitious expansion plans are on the horizon with a Vancouver office set to open doors. CEO Alex Kendall teased further worldwide expansion ambitions, earmarking 2025 as the "year of global expansion" and hinting at an interest in making inroads into the Japanese market.
The landscape of autonomous driving tech is changing at breakneck speed, with milestone breakthroughs and shifts occurring hand-in-hand. While Waymo advances its robotaxi services, General Motors shut down its robotic vehicle division 'Cruise' owing to significant financial losses.
Kendall pointed out the diverse strategies automakers are adopting; some charge ahead eager to dominate AI-driven autonomy, while others tread with more caution.