DeepRoute.ai has launched the latest version of its autonomous driving platform: Driver 3.0. The company has integrated complete HD map-free self-driving that frees users from geofencing constraints.

The company has won production contracts from automotive manufacturers to produce autonomous vehicles for consumer use. Vehicles integrated with Driver 3.0 will be on the market in 2023.

DeepRoute.ai’s Driver 3.0 includes two version of its self-driving solutions for car makers. D-PRO, with hardware cost at US$2,000, includes HD map-free operation and features such as valet park assist (VPA), point-to-point navigation on all roads without operational design domain (ODD) restrictions.

D-AIR, with hardware cost at US$1,000, focuses on HD map-free driver assistance like automatic cruise control (ACC), lane centring control (LCC), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

Both versions of the Driver 3.0 solution are designed to expedite car makers’ mass production plans as they address concerns regarding high cost of mapping and maintenance, as well as the limitations of geo-fencing.

Lane-level information around the car is generated in real time without HD maps. The car has driven itself during peak traffic hours in Shanghai, interacting with pedestrians, escooters, and others. It is capable of adaptive cruise control (ACC), stop and go, obstacle avoidance, unprotected left turns, and other technologically complex manoeuvres.

“We focus on rapidly bringing highly advanced, affordable autonomous driving to automobile OEMs. Unlike most other autonomous driving solution providers, we concentrate on developing one autonomous driving framework and commercialise it by first deploying ADAS functionality. Once ADAS-equipped cars are widely available, relevant regulations are in place, and the public better understands autonomous driving, OEMs can upgrade to full autonomy via over-the-air (OTA),” said Maxwell Zhou, CEO of DeepRoute.ai. “We strategised the HD map-free approach back in 2020, and started OEM collaboration based on this pioneering approach last year. Not relying on HD maps, smart driving will be available everywhere and affordable for automakers and consumers alike.”