- tech360.tv
Concerns Mount Over Chinese Self-Driving Car Technology Impact on US Industry
Updated: Jan 8
The Lidar Coalition raises alarm over Chinese competitors in the autonomous vehicle sector, citing potential data security risks and national security concerns.
Credits : AutoX
The Lidar Coalition, a group of technology companies specialising in Light Detection and Ranging products for autonomous vehicles, has expressed growing concerns about their Chinese counterparts. Lidar, when combined with radar, enables self-driving cars to detect obstacles and create detailed maps of surroundings.
The coalition argues that Chinese firms might harvest sensitive data about US infrastructure through this technology and there are worries that it could be applied to military vehicles for self-driving capabilities. The self-driving car industry has been a hotbed of investment in recent years, fuelling expectations of mainstream adoption. However, some Lidar companies have struggled, leading to consolidation or bankruptcy.
Chinese competitors like Hesai Group have gained an edge by offering similar products at significantly lower prices, capturing 47% of the Lidar automotive market, according to Yole Intelligence's report. US companies, such as Kodiak Robotics and Inertial Labs, have turned to Hesai for their Lidar needs. Kodiak Robotics acknowledges the technical excellence of Hesai's Lidar but advocates for a new federal regulatory structure for autonomous vehicles to replace the current fragmented system.
To address the issue, the Lidar Coalition aims to discourage Detroit from engaging in business with Chinese companies. While the Alliance For Automotive Innovation, representing US automakers, has not responded to the situation, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy called for adherence to international economic and trade rules, respecting enterprises' rights for normal investment and trade activities.
As the autonomous vehicle industry stands at a crucial juncture, concerns about Chinese self-driving car technology impact on US companies are rising, urging policymakers and stakeholders to carefully assess data security and national security risks.
The Lidar Coalition expresses concerns over Chinese competitors' impact on autonomous vehicle technology.
Lidar companies worry about data security risks and potential use in Chinese military vehicles.
Some Lidar companies in the US have faced challenges, while Chinese firms offer competitive pricing.
Kodiak Robotics seeks a new federal regulatory structure for autonomous vehicles.
The Lidar Coalition aims to discourage Detroit from working with Chinese companies through lobbying efforts.
The Chinese Embassy calls for adherence to international economic and trade rules in response to the allegations.
Source : Bloomberg