Core Viewpoint - CATL is strategically expanding its influence in the intelligent driving and embodied intelligence sectors, aiming to become a core participant in the ecosystem of future smart machines through significant investments and partnerships [1][10]. Group 1: Intelligent Driving Initiatives - CATL, in collaboration with Hello and Ant Group, has established Shanghai Zhaofu Intelligent Technology Co., focusing on the development and commercialization of L4 level autonomous taxis, with a registered capital of 1.288 billion yuan and initial investments exceeding 3 billion yuan [2]. - The company views the skateboard chassis as a "window for the integration of mechanics and digital technology," which is essential for enhancing battery performance and safety through system integration [2][5]. - CATL plans to open its skateboard chassis MPC model to empower automakers in building their own AI vehicles, exemplified by partnerships with Baidu and KargoBot Space, which utilizes CATL's intelligent battery swap chassis [3][4]. Group 2: Embodied Intelligence Investments - CATL led an 1.1 billion yuan financing round for Galaxy General Robotics, indicating a strategic alignment that goes beyond mere battery supply [6]. - The reliability and cost of hardware are critical challenges in the commercialization of robotics, and CATL's manufacturing expertise in battery production can be leveraged to meet the stringent reliability standards required for industrial robots [7]. - Galaxy General Robotics aims to integrate visual understanding, diverse grasping, and autonomous navigation, addressing automation gaps in retail and automotive sectors, aligning with CATL's own automation needs [9]. Group 3: Strategic Vision and Ecosystem Development - CATL's parallel investments in intelligent driving and embodied intelligence are part of a broader strategic goal to address the fragmented nature of the smart industry, particularly in autonomous driving [10]. - By positioning the intelligent skateboard chassis as an open hardware platform and fostering strategic collaborations, CATL aims to become a platform enabler, similar to the "Android" ecosystem in the automotive industry [10]. - The company is preparing to become a core infrastructure provider for the future "physical AI" era by offering reliable and intelligent foundational hardware [10].
从Robotaxi到具身智能:宁德时代抢占“物理AI”新基建