Pony.ai unveiled its fourth-generation L4 autonomous heavy-duty truck, Robotruck, at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover. The vehicle is based on the GAC Aion T9 electric platform and features a fully redundant architecture across steering, braking, communication, power, computing, and sensor systems.
The autonomous suite includes nine LiDAR sensors, three millimeter-wave radars, and 13 cameras, providing 360-degree perception. Pony.ai reports that the bill of materials cost for the autonomous suite has decreased by 70% compared to the previous generation, while the cost per ton-kilometer is expected to drop by 30%.
The company plans to start mass production of the Robotruck within this year, targeting trunk logistics, dedicated routes, and port transport. Pony.ai is currently in discussions with European governments and potential clients to initiate road testing in the region, focusing on markets with high labor costs and shortages.
Pony.ai aims to expand its Robotruck presence into Europe and the Middle East over the next two years. The company is also testing its autonomous taxi services in several European cities, including Zagreb, Croatia, as part of its broader international strategy.
