KargoBot.ai and Horizon Robotics have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the commercialization of Level-4 autonomous heavy-duty trucks in China. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding at the Horizon Together 2025 event, establishing a comprehensive framework for joint development and large-scale deployment.

The collaboration combines Horizon Robotics' advanced computing platforms and mass-production experience in passenger-vehicle driver-assistance systems with KargoBot's operational expertise in L4 autonomous freight transport. By integrating data from urban roads, expressways, and long-haul routes, the partners aim to enhance fleet intelligence, single-vehicle autonomy, and complex convoy operations through KargoBot's proprietary MMLA architecture and world-model technology.

KargoBot will adopt Horizon Robotics' Journey 6P high-performance computing platform to power its next-generation autonomous systems. The platform offers substantial computing capacity, energy efficiency, and low latency, supporting full-stack L4 functionality. Through optimized hardware design and supply-chain integration, KargoBot has already reduced system costs per vehicle to approximately 90,000 yuan, among the lowest in the sector.

At Auto Shanghai 2025, the companies plan to unveil "KargoBot Space," a next-generation autonomous transport robot described as the world's first of its kind. The vehicle will operate on Horizon Robotics' Journey computing family, with jointly developed domain controllers tailored for advanced autonomy. Mass production and pilot operations of the new robot are scheduled for the first half of 2026.

KargoBot has completed end-to-end door-to-door autonomous freight operations and is preparing for scaled commercial rollout. The partnership will further strengthen system performance by incorporating Horizon Robotics' vision-based perception technology and proven engineering tools, moving closer to a fully deployable AI-driven trucking solution.

Both companies intend to deepen cooperation in mass production, customer operations, and application expansion. By combining their respective ecosystems and technical capabilities, they aim to establish a shared foundation that supports broader adoption of autonomous freight technology across China's logistics industry, contributing to improved efficiency and reduced operating costs nationwide. The initiative aligns with the rapid maturation of China's autonomous trucking sector, which is transitioning from validation to widespread commercial implementation.

by autonews.gasgoo