Didi Autonomous Driving has unveiled the R2, its next-generation robotaxi co-developed with GAC Aion, featuring Raytron's automotive thermal camera as part of its 33-sensor perception system. The Horus 640D thermal imaging module can detect vulnerable road users up to 300 metres away in low-light and adverse weather conditions. The thermal camera uses long-wave infrared radiation to identify pedestrians, cyclists and animals regardless of darkness or visibility challenges that affect standard cameras and LiDAR. Raytron's shutterless algorithm eliminates image freeze issues common in thermal cameras. Didi CEO Zhang Bo highlighted a real-world test where the infrared sensor detected a person lying by the road at 100 metres when cameras and LiDAR failed. The technology addresses critical edge-case risks in autonomous driving.

Didi Global has returned to a loss in its latest quarter as the Chinese ride-hailing company increased investments whilst facing competition from new rivals including Meituan in international markets. The company's swing back to unprofitability follows a period of stepped-up global expansion efforts. Didi is contending with intensifying competition as it pushes into new territories beyond its home market in China.

Xiaoyubot, founded by former Xiaomi MIUI head Qiao Zhongliang, has completed Series B financing led by HuaYe TianCheng, with participation from CMB International, Moutai Fund and Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Angel Fund. Existing investors Didi and Xiaomi co-founder Li Wanqiang also participated. Established in February 2023, Xiaoyubot is developing a "one brain, multiple forms" embodied intelligence platform for industrial robots. Its first product, welding robots, entered customer production lines in Q4 2025, targeting a market with over 10 million worker shortages. The company uses an end-to-end, data-driven approach with a multimodal three-dimensional world model. Qiao applies Xiaomi's consumer product methodology to business-to-business markets, selecting premium components and scaling through volume shipments.