Luokung Technology Corp, one of China’s biggest spatial computing services companies, announced last week a cooperation agreement with Microsoft Inc to develop driverless car services in the mainland.
The massive partnership will see the Redmond, Washington-based tech firm work with Luokung affiliate eMapgo Technologies (EMG), where the former will provide automakers with several key tools such as storage, analysis, data collection, and simulation testing for data gathered from autonomous vehicles.
The relationship will see both tech firms contribute their knowledge to build the Chinese autonomous driving market across China, the company said in a statement, which comes after EMG received service contracts from European and US automakers set to take effect in the near future.
Xuesong Song, Chairman and Chief Executive of EMG, said that increasing demand for flexible computing showed China’s autonomous driving services market had “significant room for growth.”
He continued, stating,
“We believe EMG’s core competencies in LBS and HD Maps are an ideal fit with Microsoft’s considerable advantages in areas of cutting-edge technology such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, elastic computing, and mixed reality.
He concluded the partnership would aim to “promote the development of safe and intelligent autonomous driving in China.”
The developments come amid a major push in the global automotive market to build next-generation smart systems for vehicles as demand for such technologies grows significantly.
Automakers Adopt Smart, XR Solutions
Autonomous vehicles require strong 5G infrastructure to execute real-time communication of data between vehicles and with servers, with mixed reality technologies rising as a key component of vehicles in the global automaking market to boost vehicle safety and ease of control.
Several top automakers such as BMW, Pirinfarina, Aston Martin, Porsche, Audi, and others have begun incorporating XR technologies into their vehicles via partnerships, which aim to design features ranging from AR windshields, entertainment systems, and many others.
Munich-based tech firm Infineon have also tapped into the automotive XR market by providing components for AR windshied manufacturers. Additional companies uch as holoride have designed entertainment VR systems for passengers in a partnership with German auto giant Audi.
Startups such as CrossHelmet have also integrated similar technologies into motorcycling helmets, which contain features such as smart touch, augmented reality (AR) heads up displays (HUDs), and precise navigation app what3words in a bid to prioritise safety and connectivity for motorists.
