Honda China has partnered with AutoX to further autonomous driving research in China. AutoX is considered a leader of Level 4 autonomous technologies in China and through the collaboration, Honda will adopt and leverage AutoX’s cutting-edge technology and experience in the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles in densely -populated cities throughout China.
Honda will provide AutoX with Accord and
Inspire test vehicles and according to the Japanese car manufacturer, it will
look to deepen its understanding of China’s traffic environment and aim to
establish the public acceptance and safety of autonomous driving technology.
AutoX currently operates over 100
robotaxis throughout China, including in the cities of Shanghai, Shenzhen, and
Wuhan. The self-driving startup claims its autonomous platform is “capable of
handling the densest and most dynamic traffic conditions in urban cities around
the world.” In July last year, the company obtained a fully-driverless robotaxi
permit from the Californian DMV, making it the first holder of such a permit
from China. In January, AutoX launched its first robotaxi service in China.
In March, Honda launched its Level 3
driver-assistance system in the Legend, although it is currently restricted to
the Japanese market. Honda’s Level 3 system determines the position of the
vehicle and road conditions using data from 3-dimensional high-definition maps
through the global navigation satellite system. The system also has a camera
that constantly monitors the driver to ensure they remain focused on the road,
even if the self-driving system is enabled.
