Pony.ai's L4 Domain Controller Surpasses 2 Million Kilometers

Pony AI has announced that its Level 4 (L4) automotive-grade autonomous driving domain controller has surpassed 2 million kilometers of on-road testing, announced in a press release. This milestone highlights the system's hardware reliability and software adaptability, crucial for L4 autonomous driving.

Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the seventh-generation AD system is built with automotive-grade components, designed for a lifecycle of 10 years or 600,000 kilometers. Pony.ai has significantly reduced the domain controller's cost by 80% compared to previous generations, while extending its lifespan.

The domain controller, developed in-house, uses three NVIDIA OrinX chips with a fourth for redundancy, delivering 1,016 TOPS of computing power. It integrates essential functions and sensors for Robotaxi operation, reducing wiring complexity and manufacturing costs. The system supports both liquid and passive cooling, ensuring safety even in case of system failures.

With a focus on safety, the controller includes a multi-layered safety architecture and degradation strategies, allowing seamless switching to redundant systems in case of failures. This ensures safe vehicle control and minimizes traffic disruption risks. Pony.ai's seventh-generation Robotaxis are now in mass production, marking a significant step in expanding its driverless fleet.