Shanghai (ZXZC)- NavInfo, the Beijing-based location-based service provider, recently entered into a partnership with Inceptio Technology to provide its HD (high-definition) map and relevant services for the latter’s autonomous driving commercial vehicles (CVs), which will go into volume production at the end of 2021.

Under the agreement, NavInfo will supply Inceptio Technology with the one-stop mapping service OneMap by integrating its truck maps, ADAS maps and HD maps, helping the latter build an autonomous CV fleet focusing on truck road logistics business. Specifically, the navigation map tailor made for trucks can support long-distance travels nationwide. The HD map features the lane-level navigation and positioning accuracy for highways and can assist onboard high-precision sensors with perception.

NavInfo's autonomous driving map; photo credit: NavInfo

As of today, NavInfo has made its HD map data cover highways across China, said the company. Through building a “cloud + terminal” enclosed ecosystem, it endeavors to enable fast upgrades of autonomous driving system.

Developed and operated by NavInfo’s subsidiary Aerozhonghuan, NI-Horizon will translate the specific ADAS map data into vehicle-usable information which takes more active control of the vehicle through ADASIS protocol to achieve a more energy-efficient, safer and comfortable driving experience. Using the energy-saving algorithm and vehicle control technologies from Inceptio Technology, NI-Horizon will deliver lightweight and fuel-saving driver assistance functions.

By virtue of the CANBUS, NI-Horizon transmits the map data of road, slope, curvature, heading, intersection location, tunnel, bridge, speed limit and other information to the control units of the vehicle through ADASIS protocol, so that the vehicle can make decisions based on the information and further to control the vehicle to achieve an optimal driving experience, said NavInfo.

Inceptio Technology's autonomous truck; photo credit: NavInfo

Founded in April 2018, Inceptio Technology aims to build a countrywide freight network using autonomous driving trucks. It focuses on the transformation of line-haul logistics by offering a more secure, efficient and economical TaaS (Transportation-as-a-Service) network, and independently developing Level 3/4 autonomous technologies.

Last year, Inceptio Technology closed a funding round with $220 million raised. It will move faster on the mass production and commercial operation of Level 3 autonomous driving heavy-duty trucks.