​SuperDrive by Horizon Robotics: Advanced Smart Driving for All

As the automotive industry rapidly evolves, smart driving has become a hot topic. In recent years, smart driving features have been widely integrated into vehicles, bringing transformative changes to the automotive market.

According to Gasgoo Auto Research Institute, the penetration rate of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) functions in China's auto market approached 60% in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking a 14% increase year-on-year. With various automakers implementing NOA (Navigate-on-Autopilot) functions and increased media coverage of autonomous driving (AD), more companies are expected to introduce models with advanced smart driving features.

The accelerated application of smart driving features in vehicles is an inevitable trend. As technology continues to advance and market demand increases, it is anticipated that by 2025, the penetration rate of L2 ADAS functions in China will exceed 60%.

For smart driving companies, seizing the opportunities in this rapidly evolving market requires not only enhancing their technological capabilities and market competitiveness but also meeting stringent safety requirements, aiming to bring a safer and more comfortable driving experience for consumers.

In the autonomous driving field, the reliability of systems is paramount. Achieving the integrity, stability, and safety of the entire system necessitates a full-stack integration of in-house developed software and hardware technologies. This approach not only ensures superior system performance but also reduces organizational collaboration costs, effectively achieving two goals with one effort.

The ability to integrate software and hardware enables smart driving companies to proactively adapt to market demands with more flexible technological approaches. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the dynamic automotive landscape.

Photo credit: Horizon Robotics

Since its establishment in 2015, Horizon Robotics, a leading provider of ADAS and AD solutions for passenger vehicles, has been a true believer and practitioner of creating full-stack technology that combines software and hardware, facilitating advancements in smart driving systems for all scenarios and deployment on a mass scale. By fostering a highly flexible and scalable business model, Horizon Robotics aims to empower every passenger vehicle and make human life safer and better through driver assistance and autonomous driving.

A software algorithm company in hardware disguise

Horizon Robotics is essentially a “software algorithm company in hardware disguise." The company continuously optimizes its technology to ensure the synergy between software and hardware, enhancing overall system performance and efficiency.

Its forward-thinking approach and commitment to software and hardware co-design have been evident from the beginning.

For instance, Horizon Robotics proposed end-to-end autonomous driving technology, which has become the focal point of the current competition in advanced smart driving algorithms, as early as 2016. The company has since achieved numerous technological innovations and breakthroughs, such as the Sparse4D end-to-end perception algorithm in 2022.

Additionally, Horizon Robotics has developed end-to-end deep learning algorithms based on interactive gaming theory, significantly improving the efficiency and success rate of smart driving systems in complex traffic environments.

On the hardware front, Horizon Robotics has developed proprietary processing architecture tailored for automotive applications - BPU (Brain Processing Unit). The new-generation architecture, BPU Nash, achieves industry-leading processing efficiency through highly coordinated software and hardware integration, accelerating the application of end-to-end and interactive gaming theory algorithms.

Leveraging its top-notch technology and extensive mass production experience, Horizon Robotics challenged the fiercely competitive industry by unveiling the Horizon SuperDrive™ all-scenario smart driving solution at its 2024 Product Launch Event on April 24. This solution focuses on enhancing consumer experience with advanced human-like driving capabilities.

Delving into consumer needs: crafting enjoyable smart driving solutions

In a bid to stand out in the rivalrous market for advanced urban smart driving, Horizon Robotics believes that automotive companies must prioritize consumer experience, creating advanced smart driving experiences that are usable, practical, and even enjoyable.

In simple terms, the "usable" stage ensures the technology works, guaranteeing system usability and physical safety. The "practical" stage builds on this by providing a more human-like driving experience, offering consumers peace of mind. Finally, the "enjoyable" stage is achieved as the cost of smart driving decreases and the implementation capability improves, leading to a future where smart driving functions are available to everyone, on every journey, at every moment.

Dr. Yu Kai; photo credit: Horizon Robotics

Horizon Robotics thinks that transitioning from usability to enjoyment tests the comprehensive capabilities of a smart driving technology company, requiring profound software algorithm and hardware accumulation, as well as efficient mass production coordination.

To emulate an experienced human driver, Horizon SuperDrive uses an end-to-end perception architecture that combines dynamic, static, and occupancy (OCC) networks. This 3-in-1 architecture addresses issues of high latency, multiple rules, and heavy load. When combined with interactive gaming algorithms, the system maintains high pass-through rates, traffic efficiency, and human-like behavior across various complex urban scenarios.

For instance, it can precisely find merging gaps in congested on-ramps, navigate efficiently during rush hour, and adjust trajectories at intersections based on dynamic traffic flow.

On urban open roads, Horizon SuperDrive’s advanced navigation capability supports complex intersection interactions, making responsible and decisive decisions in traffic jams.

Horizon SuperDrive's human-like dynamic driveline, accurate perception, and gaming theory allow it to make clear and unhesitant unprotected left turns.

Horizon SuperDrive's robust perception capabilities and decisive timing for execution support it to change lanes amongst heavy traffic flow.

Smooth and seamless passing through complex roundabouts.

The launch of Horizon SuperDrive, along with the successful mass production of Horizon Mono and Horizon Pilot smart driving solutions, underscores Horizon Robotics' expertise in algorithms, hardware, and engineering. Notably, the company also introduced the Journey 6 series automotive-grade processing hardware to support its leading ADAS and AD solutions.

The unified architecture and wide compatibility of the Journey 6 series allow automakers and industry players to achieve mass production in the most efficient and flexible way at affordable costs.

Bridging the gap: the vision for technological equality

While advanced smart driving addresses the next stage of technological progress, more cost-effective driving solutions focus on widespread adoption.

In the quest to universalize advanced smart driving technologies, Horizon Robotics recognizes the importance of addressing market dynamics. According to data provided by Gasgoo Auto Research Institute, a significant portion of growth in the smart driving domain controllers market centers on vehicle models priced between 250,000-350,000 yuan. This underscores a growing consumer demand for smart driving features in mid-to-high-end vehicle models, highlighting the pivotal role of such functionalities in enhancing overall vehicle value. As consumers increasingly embrace and demand smart driving technologies, this market segment is poised for further expansion.

Zhang Yufeng, Vice President of Horizon Robotics and President of Automotive Business Unit, envisions using Horizon ADAS and AD solutions, as well as Journey 6 series, to universalize smart driving technology, making it accessible not only in high-value models but also in affordable vehicles. However, this requires the collective participation of the entire industry.

According to Horizon Robotics, Horizon SuperDrive is on track to forge collaborations with several leading automotive brands and Tier-1 suppliers in the second quarter of 2024. By the fourth quarter of 2024, the company aims to finalize a mass-production-ready version, with the first SuperDrive-powered vehicle scheduled to roll off the production line by the third quarter of 2025.

Over the past eight years, Horizon Robotics has developed a comprehensive all-scenario smart driving solution matrix for low, mid, and high-level smart driving markets. With over 5 million units of processing hardware shipped, Horizon Robotics has established a mature, efficient, and open ecosystem in China, holding the most robust mass production capability for smart driving systems.

As a steadfast Tier-2 supplier, Horizon Robotics collaborates with over 30 local and international automotive companies and 200 upstream and downstream partners across the industrial chain, continually enhancing system performance and cost optimization.

These collaborations not only advance the development and commercialization of cutting-edge smart driving solutions but also foster a culture of innovation and shared success within the industry. To date, Horizon Robotics’ driving solutions have been deployed onto more than 110 mass-produced vehicle models. In 2023 alone, Horizon Robotics secured over 100 new design wins with automotive companies.

Currently, the smart driving industry is transitioning from product-oriented to a consumer-oriented ecosystem. "Our partnerships with key players in the automotive sector enable us to deliver unmatched value to our customers," said Dr. Yu Kai, Founder and CEO of Horizon Robotics. "Together, we are driving innovation and shaping the future of smart mobility to safeguard every driver and passenger, accompanying them to enjoy truly delightful journeys."