{
  "id": 14443701,
  "title": "Hesai launches 3D spatial camera as Chinese lidar maker expands into physical AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/hesai-launches-3d-spatial-camera-as-chinese-lidar-maker-expands-into-14443701",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-14T11:47:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SCMP Business",
    "slug": "scmp-business",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3370897/hesai-launches-3d-spatial-camera-chinese-lidar-maker-expands-physical-ai"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hesai Group, the world's largest manufacturer of lidar sensors for vehicles, has unveiled a new 3D spatial camera called Kosmo as it ventures into physical artificial intelligence. The handheld device converts real-world environments into detailed, editable 3D models and aims to standardize the digitization of complex spaces such as campuses and factories. Hesai's CEO, David Li Yifan, explained that the company's new products mark an extension of their innovative capabilities and could lead to new business patterns. The Kosmo camera is supported by an intelligent platform that integrates AI algorithms, digital 3D models, and cloud services. Hesai envisions using Kosmo to train robots as embodied AI develops and has partnered with Pixar Animation Studios to develop related technologies. The company sees itself evolving into a broader technology company, potentially supplying its AI-driven products to businesses like humanoid robot makers. In August, Hesai's CFO, Andrew Fan, told the South China Morning Post that the firm is more than just an automotive supplier, given its focus on AI-related products. In April, Hesai introduced its \"6D\" full-color platform, allowing lidar sensors to measure distances, identify small objects, and detect their reflectivity, velocity, and color, all powered by the company's self-developed Picasso chip. Hesai's foray into AI comes as China seeks to become a global leader in robotics, with the country currently being the world's largest market for industrial robots and a leading developer of humanoids. China accounted for 54% of the world's industrial robot installations in 2024, according to data from the International Federation of Robotics.",
  "summary": "Hesai Group, the world’s largest maker of lidar sensors for vehicles, has launched a 3D spatial camera as it expands into physical artificial intelligence in search of new growth opportunities. The handheld device, called Kosmo, is described by Hesai as a “physical AI eye” and converts real-world environments into detailed, editable 3D models. The company said it was designed to standardise the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Chinese companies seek Gulf partnerships as physical AI takes shape",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/chinese-companies-seek-gulf-partnerships-as-physical-ai-takes-shape",
        "published": "2026-10-14T03:44:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Hesai launches 3D spatial camera as Chinese lidar maker expands into physical AI",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/hesai-launches-3d-spatial-camera-as-chinese-lidar-maker-expands-into",
        "published": "2026-10-14T11:47:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}