Baidu’s Electric Vehicle Firm Jidu Unveils First ‘Robot’ Car
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The concept car, which is free of door handles and can be fully controlled via voice recognition, was launched through an online press conference held on Baidu’s metaverse-themed app Xirang.
Jidu, an EV venture controlled by Baidu and co-funded by Chinese automaker Geely, plans to mass produce the model, which would be 90% similar to the concept car, in 2023.
The ‘robot’ EVs will possess autonomous Level 4 capabilities that need no human intervention as well as utilize Qualcomm’s 8295 chips, which will enable users to access voice assistance offline when internet connection is poor.
Baidu’s EV-making plan comes as tech companies around the world race to develop smart cars after Tesla’s success in commercializing electric vehicles.
Besides equipping the vehicle with autonomous driving software technology powered by Baidu, Jidu will also build two lidars and 12 cameras alongside the car. Lidars are detection systems, similar to radars, which use pulsed laser light rather than radio waves.
Jidu cars will target users who like cutting-edge technologies, Luo Gang, head of operations at Jidu, told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.
The EVs will be manufactured in Hangzhou Bay in China’s eastern city of Ningbo, where Geely has several plants.
Jidu has hired ex-Cadillac designer Frank Wu as its head of design, and Wang Weibao, a former member of Apple Inc’s EV initiative Project Titan, as its head of intelligent driving.
Jidu’s first model will be priced above 200,000 yuan ($29,914.59), Baidu chief executive Robin Li said on a conference call last month.
Smartphone maker Xiaomi Corp and Didi Global are among other Chinese tech giants who are pursuing auto-making ambitions.
Questions & Answers
Q.What level of autonomous driving capability will Jidu's 'robot' cars have?
What level of autonomous driving capability will Jidu's 'robot' cars have?
The electric vehicles will possess Level 4 autonomous capabilities, meaning they will not require human intervention. This advanced system is powered by Baidu's autonomous driving software technology.
Q.Which company will manufacture Jidu's electric vehicles?
Which company will manufacture Jidu's electric vehicles?
Geely, which co-funds Jidu, will manufacture the EVs. Production will take place in Hangzhou Bay, located in China’s eastern city of Ningbo, where Geely operates several plants.
Q.What is the expected starting price for Jidu’s first electric vehicle model?
What is the expected starting price for Jidu’s first electric vehicle model?
Baidu chief executive Robin Li stated that Jidu's first model will be priced above 200,000 yuan. This figure converts to approximately $29,914.59 at current exchange rates.
Q.Who are some of the key personnel Jidu has hired for its EV development?
Who are some of the key personnel Jidu has hired for its EV development?
Jidu has hired Frank Wu, a former Cadillac designer, as its head of design. Wang Weibao, previously involved with Apple Inc's EV initiative Project Titan, leads intelligent driving.
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