Former DJI self-driving unit seeks an edge in adapting drone tech to lorries, logistics

Core Viewpoint - The former autonomous driving unit of DJI, now known as ZYT, is set to enter the heavy vehicle industry by 2026, marking a significant shift in focus from passenger cars to heavy-duty lorries and unmanned logistics vehicles as the commercialization of autonomous driving technology intensifies in China [1][5]. Company Developments - ZYT plans to introduce its navigate-on-autopilot feature for lorries on highways, with mass production expected in the first half of 2026, according to CEO Shen Shaojie [2]. - The company has established partnerships with major trucking firms, including Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group, Shaanxi Automobile Group, and China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, to facilitate its entry into the heavy vehicle market [3]. - A new partnership with a leading Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer will be launched in January to design unmanned logistics vehicles utilizing ZYT's autonomous driving technology [4]. Industry Context - ZYT is entering a competitive landscape for autonomous driving in China, facing established players like Horizon Robotics and Shenzhen Yinwang Intelligent Technology, which is a spin-off from Huawei Technologies [5]. - The company aims to tap into the lucrative logistics market, positioning itself against rivals such as Pony.ai, which has also announced plans for mass production and deployment of autonomous trucks in 2026 [5]. - Originally established in 2016 as DJI's automotive division, ZYT was spun off in 2023 due to its divergence from DJI's core drone business and the impact of geopolitical tensions between China and the US [6].