Pony.ai partners with Toyota to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles

We last wrote about Pony.ai in late 2018 when the artificial intelligence and robotics startup unveiled its latest autonomous vehicle fleet, PonyAlpha. Pony develops artificial intelligence solutions in the field of robotics.

Today, Pony.ai announces its teaming up with Toyota on an autonomous driving pilot to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles. Together, the two companies will explore a variety of possibilities to provide safe mobility services for all.

In April, Pony.ai tested its robo-taxi program on its employees at its second HQ in Guangzhou, China, with promise for self-driving trucks in the nearest future. At Auto Shanghai 2019, Pony.ai also announced PonyPilot, a test project for a product-ready autonomous driving fleet within a geo-fenced area in Guangzhou, China.

Founded in 2016 by James Peng and Tiancheng Lou, the Fremont, California and Beijing, China-based Pony develops artificial intelligence solutions in the field of robotics. Pony.ai is the leading autonomous driving technology company in China, with a mission to revolutionize the future of transportation by building the safest and most reliable solution for autonomous mobility. Pony.ai has raised roughly $300 million as of April 2019 from renowned investors including Sequoia Capital China, IDG Capital, among others, making it the most valuable autonomous driving startup in China.

Since late 2018, Pony.ai has been testing its robotaxi pilot service, PonyPilot, starting with Guangzhou, making it the first company to launch a robotaxi operation and offer autonomous rides to the general public in China. In June 2019, the company also obtained a robotaxi operation permit in California, demonstrating its ambition and commitment to mobility services at a global scale.

Toyota is the global automotive leader with over 10 million in annual vehicle sales worldwide and a vision of bringing the joy and freedom of movement to all. With an aim to become a mobility company firmly rooted in China, Toyota will accelerate its business in China via collaboration with selected Chinese companies while continuing to contribute to the development of Chinese society.

Autonomous driving technology is the key to creating a better transportation system and delivering value to the lives of many. Through such collaborations, Toyota and Pony.ai are accelerating the arrival of a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable mobility future for all.

Below is a video overview of Pony.ai’s PonyPilot Demo.