Vi e w p o i n t | 07 Jan 2026 21:53:55 ET │ 12 pages Hesai (HSAI.O /2525.HK) Hesai sets 26E Capacity +100% YoY to 4mn units (versus our sales target 3.67mn units) CITI'S TAKE Hesai at CES 2026 showcased its latest LiDAR technologies covering ADAS and robotics, but also announced significant partnerships with companies like NVIDIA (Global L4 and Robotaxi Ecosystem Building on NVIDIA), doubling its annual production capacity to 4mn units, and steady progress at its Thailand factory with capacity expansion. S ...

Seyond CES 2026 Booth Pic Seyond CES 2026 Booth 6059 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As CES 2026 opens this week, Seyond, a global leader in high-performance LiDAR solutions, invites attendees to experience live autonomous demonstrations and next-generation LiDAR technology at its booth in LVCC – West Hall, Booth #6059. Designed as an interactive, two-level experience, Seyond’s CES booth highlights how deployment-ready LiDAR is enabling real-world autonomy today, across automotive, robotics ...

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seyond, a global leader in high-performance image-grade LiDAR solutions, today announced a new agreement to deploy its advanced detection technology across key traffic infrastructure locations in Sweden. The project, valued at approximately $2.6 million, will see Seyond’s state-of-the-art solution, SIMPL, integrated into the infrastructure portfolio of Aventi Sweden (formerly Blinkfyrar). This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the rapidly growing ...

Core Viewpoint - iRobot, the pioneer of robotic vacuum cleaners, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy primarily due to misjudgment of consumer needs, competition from Chinese companies, and regulatory hurdles preventing a potential acquisition by Amazon [4][6]. Group 1: Reasons for Bankruptcy - The first reason for iRobot's bankruptcy is the misjudgment of consumer demand, particularly in the late 2010s. The company failed to adopt high-performance LiDAR sensors, relying instead on cameras, which led to a lag in product functionality compared to competitors [4][6]. - The second reason is the intense competition from Chinese companies such as Ecovacs, Roborock, and Dreame Technology, which introduced features like LiDAR and mopping capabilities that iRobot's Roomba lacked. This competition has significantly reduced Roomba's global market share from 49% in 2017 to 22% in 2022 [6]. - The third reason is the failure to secure a merger with Amazon, which was blocked by U.S. and EU regulators due to concerns over market competition and data privacy. Amazon's proposed acquisition, valued at approximately $1.7 billion, was abandoned in 2024 [6].

Quantum Computing (QUBT), or QCi, a provider of affordable computing machines and integrated photonic technology, is making a bold bet at a dynamic time for the quantum tech industry. The company has agreed to acquire recently bankrupt Luminar’s semiconductor business unit in an all-cash transaction, betting that Luminar’s photonics expertise originally built for LiDAR can help speed QCi’s push towards commercial quantum systems. The acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, Luminar’s photonics and chip div ...

This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Luminar Technologies, a maker of sensors and advanced technology for autonomous vehicles, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday and has begun to split the company after losing a major contract with Volvo. The Orlando, Florida-based company entered Chapter 11 proceedings with majority support from its first lien and second lien noteholder ...

Major U.S. benchmarks finished Monday lower, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average edging down 0.09% to 48,416.56, the S&P 500 slipping 0.16% to 6,816.51, and the Nasdaq dropping 0.59% to 23,057.41.Despite the broader market’s decline, these are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors through the day:Ford Motor Co (NYSE:F)Ford’s stock closed at $13.65, down 0.66%, with an intraday high of $13.81 and a low of $13.49. The stock’s 52-week range is between $8.44 and $13.97. In t ...

Rivian Autonomy & AI Day Overview - Rivian held its Autonomy & AI Day in 2025 to discuss their next-generation vehicle autonomy systems, hardware, and software architecture[2] - The presentation included forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties[2, 3] Autonomy System Components - Rivian is developing a Large Driving Model (LDM) and Autonomy Data Recorder[9, 10] - The company is working on Universal Hands-Free driving capabilities, aiming for point-to-point functionality[21, 23, 25, 26] - Rivian is creating Rivian Unified Intelligence, integrating various AI agents[29, 222, 224, 228] Hardware and Software - The Gen 3 Autonomy Computer has a neural engine capable of 800 TOPS (Sparse, INT8) and can process 5 billion pixels per second[15] - The Gen 3 Autonomy Computer has 4x peak performance of Gen 2 computer with 2.5x improvement in power efficiency[61] - The Rivian Autonomy Processor (RAP1) is a multi-chip module using TSMC 5nm Automotive node, with 800 TOPS neural compute[64, 65, 72, 74, 77, 81] - Integrated Memory Technology provides 205 GB/sec bandwidth[68] Data and Learning - Rivian uses a data flywheel approach, incorporating onboard data recording, cloud processing, and software updates[8, 106, 215] - The Autonomy Data Recorder captures and collates data, which is then anonymized and auto-labeled[10, 138, 164] - Rivian leverages over 3.5 million miles of driving data for training[211] Sensors - R2 vehicles will feature 11 cameras (65MP), 5 radars, and 1 LiDAR[51]

Core Insights - Kraken Robotics Inc. has announced the appointment of Kim Butler to its Board of Directors and the hiring of Bernard Mills as Executive Vice President, Defence, indicating a strategic enhancement of its leadership team [1][6]. Leadership Appointments - Kim Butler has over 35 years of executive experience in financial, operational, and governance roles across various sectors, including technology and defence. She has held significant positions such as Chair of Audit and Special Committees and has expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions [2][5]. - Bernard Mills will assume the role of Executive Vice President, Defence, effective January 12, 2026. He has extensive experience in the defence and aerospace sectors, having served as CEO and Managing Director at Stelia North America and President of Ultra Sonar Systems [6][7]. Strategic Importance - Kim Butler expressed her enthusiasm for joining Kraken Robotics, emphasizing her commitment to contributing to the company's growth in advanced 3D underwater imaging and subsea battery technologies [4]. - Bernard Mills highlighted the increasing global demand for underwater robotics and maritime systems, indicating that Kraken is well-positioned for significant expansion due to its strong portfolio and relationships with key customers [9]. Company Overview - Kraken Robotics is focused on transforming subsea intelligence through innovative technologies, including 3D imaging sensors and robotic systems, aimed at addressing challenges in ocean safety and infrastructure [12][13]. - The company operates globally, with a presence in North America, South America, and Europe, supporting clients in over 30 countries [15].

Core Insights - Kraken Robotics Inc. has announced the appointment of Kim Butler to its Board of Directors and the hiring of Bernard Mills as Executive Vice President, Defence, indicating a strategic enhancement of its leadership team [1][6]. Leadership Appointments - Kim Butler has over 35 years of executive experience in financial, operational, and governance roles across various sectors, including technology and defence [2][3]. - Butler has held significant positions such as Head of Business Operations and Integration at Ericsson and SVP Finance and CFO at Bridgewater Systems, showcasing her expertise in corporate governance and strategic planning [3][5]. - Bernard Mills will assume the role of Executive Vice President, Defence, effective January 12, 2026, after resigning from the Board of Directors [6][8]. - Mills has extensive experience in the defence and aerospace sectors, having served as CEO at Stelia North America and President of Ultra Sonar Systems, which positions him well to lead Kraken's defence initiatives [7][8]. Strategic Importance - The addition of Butler and Mills is expected to enhance Kraken's capabilities in navigating complex growth and transformation, particularly in the marine technology sector [5][9]. - Mills' background in strategic growth and operational leadership is anticipated to be a significant asset as Kraken expands its maritime defence business [8][9]. - Both leaders express enthusiasm about Kraken's potential for significant expansion in the underwater robotics and maritime systems market [4][9].