Beijing's autonomous driving zone showcases advanced tech, from vending machines to patrol cars

Beijing's Yizhuang autonomous driving demonstration zone showcases a future where self-driving vehicles are integrated into daily life, from mobile vending machines to patrol cars. These Level 4 autonomous vehicles operate without human intervention, handling driving, environmental monitoring, and emergency responses. Startups like Neolix are deploying autonomous mobile vending machines, priced between $20,000 and $30,000, allowing mobile payments for goods.

Established in May 2020, the Yizhuang zone aims to test and commercialize autonomous driving technology by integrating vehicle, road, and cloud infrastructure. The area now hosts a variety of autonomous vehicles, including robotaxis, robo-buses, sanitation vehicles, and large trucks. Robotaxi fares are comparable to standard taxis, with initial rides available for as little as 1 yuan (approximately $0.14) using discount coupons.

During a visit, a mini robo-bus developed by WeRide, a leading Chinese autonomous driving company, was experienced. This vehicle, designed for autonomous operation, can carry up to eight passengers. Since its operation began in the demonstration zone in January 2023, it has been accumulating data for commercialization over three years. This contrasts with South Korea, where Level 4 robotaxi services were only announced for a pilot program in January, while current nationwide services operate at Level 3.

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General individuals can purchase the vehicles to sell breakfast items or ice cream in the morning.

The Yizhuang zone has expanded significantly from its initial 60 sq km in 2020 to approximately 600 sq km, comparable to Seoul's size. The goal is to extend the zone to Beijing's 6th Ring Road, a roughly 200km highway encircling the city, by the end of 2027. This expansion highlights China's commitment to large-scale autonomous driving experiments.

The article also touches upon the broader context of China's technological advancements in AI and robotics, and the challenges faced by South Korean companies in collaborating with China. In the Yancheng-Korea Industrial Park in Jiangsu province, established in 2017, Korean companies like Kia, Hyundai Mobis, SK On, and LG Energy Solution have a significant presence. Kia's plant in Yancheng, operational since 2004, has produced millions of vehicles and created an estimated 100,000 jobs indirectly. However, with the rising competitiveness of Chinese automakers, particularly in electric vehicles, Kia is shifting its strategy to focus more on exports, aiming to export 80% of its production by 2024.

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Currently, we have 3 models for the Chinese market and 7 global models for export.