Hesai Technology has entered into a strategic partnership with Grab to expand the deployment of lidar across Southeast Asia.
Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses light to measure distance and create detailed maps of surroundings. Hesai supplies lidar systems to the automotive sector, including advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous mobility applications.
Grab will serve as the exclusive distributor of Hesai’s lidar products in the region. Grab will handle sales, customer support, and marketing of the sensors across Southeast Asia.
Through the partnership, Hesai will use Grab’s distribution network and local presence to make its lidar sensors more widely available. The companies said this will allow businesses in the region to access lidar technology more quickly for use in robotics, autonomous systems, and other industrial applications.
The exclusive arrangement is also expected to provide Grab with a stable supply of lidar technology for its own autonomous mobility and mapping initiatives.
“By expanding access to world-class lidar technology in Southeast Asia, Grab is doing more than improving our own autonomous mobility and mapping capabilities; we are providing the essential ‘eyes’ that allow robotics to ‘see’ and navigate safely, thus ensuring that 3D intelligence can be made accessible and scaled to every industry across our region,” says Anthony Tan, group CEO and co-founder of Grab.
“Lidar is a core technology that enables robots to achieve autonomous perception and safer operations,” said David Li, CEO and co-founder of Hesai. “The Southeast Asian market has shown strong demand across manufacturing, logistics, and service robots. Through our partnership with Grab, we will leverage our mature and reliable lidar technology with the needs of local markets, accelerating the deployment and large-scale lidar adoption for robotics applications,”
The companies said demand for artificial intelligence-powered automation is rising in Southeast Asia, particularly in manufacturing, mobility, and logistics. They expect lidar adoption in the region to move from pilot projects to broader commercial use as more industries deploy robotics and automated systems.