Pony.ai Achieves Milestone with 2 Million Kilometer Run for L4 Automotive-Grade Domain Controller.

Pony.ai's Level 4 automotive-grade domain controller has achieved 2 million kilometers of on-road testing, showcasing exceptional reliability and adaptability. The seventh-generation Robotaxi fleet system is built with automotive-grade components and has reduced cost by 80% compared to the previous generation. The domain controller features three NVIDIA OrinX chips and achieves a 50% to 80% reduction in size, weight, power consumption, and cost. It integrates various sensors, functions, and controllers required for Robotaxi operation, streamlining vehicle layout and assembly line processes. The system also incorporates a multi-layered safety architecture and degradation strategies to ensure safe vehicle control in the event of a primary system failure.

Pony.ai, a leading autonomous driving company, has announced a significant milestone in its development of L4 (Level 4) automotive-grade autonomous driving (AD) technology. The company's seventh-generation Robotaxi fleet system has surpassed 2 million kilometers of on-road testing, demonstrating exceptional hardware reliability and software adaptability [1].

The seventh-generation AD system is built entirely with automotive-grade components, designed to meet rigorous L4 autonomy standards. The system features a 50% to 80% reduction in size, weight, power consumption, and cost compared to previous generations. This achievement is attributed to extensive algorithm optimization and system engineering, reducing the domain controller's cost by 80% while extending its lifespan [1].

The domain controller, which serves as the central computing hub for the Robotaxi fleet, integrates a wide array of sensors, essential functions, and supporting controllers required for autonomous vehicle operation. It incorporates a multi-layered safety architecture and degradation strategies, ensuring safe vehicle control even in the event of a primary system failure. The system supports both liquid cooling and passive cooling, with a redundant system ensuring safe pull-over in case of malfunction [1].

Pony.ai's investment in L4 autonomous driving technology aligns with the broader industry trend of increasing demand for AI chips. The company's success in achieving 2 million kilometers of on-road testing could have implications for the broader tech sector, particularly for companies like Nvidia, which has seen its stock rise due to the easing of China's export restrictions on high-end AI chips [2].

Moreover, the partnership between Uber and Lucid Motors, which includes a $300 million investment in Lucid Motors to build a fleet of robotaxis, highlights the growing interest in autonomous driving technology. This investment represents approximately 3% of Lucid's total capitalization and includes a commitment to purchase 20,000 autonomous vehicles over six years [3].

As Pony.ai continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving technology, its achievements are likely to shape the future of the industry. The company's focus on safety, reliability, and cost-efficiency positions it as a key player in the autonomous driving market.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ponyais-proprietary-l4-automotive-grade-domain-controller-achieves-2-million-kilometer-milestone-302510700.html
[2] https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2025/07/17/nvidia-stock-outlook-china-chip-exports-43687648/
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/uber-invests-300-million-lucid-motors-build-robotaxi-fleet-2507/