On August 28. NIO released the new version of its smart system, "Banyan 3.0.0." covering five major areas: NOMI, panoramic digital space, AI intelligent chassis, NIO Link panoramic connectivity, and enhanced vehicle experience.
It is reported that the new Banyan 3 is NIO's first smart system built on a core AI foundation, deeply integrating the latest AI algorithms with intelligent hardware, a native intelligent framework, and smart applications. Banyan 3.0.0. as the first version of this new system, marks NIO's initial major step towards an AI-enabled cabin, introducing and optimizing over 130 functions.
In terms of the AI intelligent chassis, NIO has employed multi-sensor fusion perception technology to recognize road events, enabling the car to understand and remember four-dimensional information, including horizontal, vertical, temporal, and spatial data, with cloud-based training to share collective intelligence among all owners. With the release of Banyan 3.0.0. the "4D Comfort Pilot" has been upgraded to "4D All-Domain Comfort Pilot," now fully compatible with vehicles equipped with CDC dynamic damping control. "Following the ES8. ET7. ES7. and EC7. the '4D All-Domain Comfort Pilot' has now been extended to the ES6 and EC6 models," according to NIO.
The software packages for all CN models with Banyan 3.0.0 have been fully submitted for approval. Once approved, NIO will begin a phased rollout of the version to 2022. 2023. and 2024 models currently running Banyan 2.6.0 CN and above, following the order of vehicle delivery.
"A successful smart electric vehicle company must also be a successful AI company," explained NIO's Chairman, William Li. He emphasized that smart electric vehicles are once again at the forefront of technological innovation, with AI set to become the core foundational capability for companies in this sector.
In fact, as the industry enters the second half of the smart era, automakers are accelerating the integration of AI models into vehicles. In April this year, NETA Automobile, in collaboration with 360 Group, unveiled their AI model product, the NETA "Qian Kun Ring," at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. This product integrates AI technologies like 360 Smart Brain, AI search, and digital humans into the cabin and other areas, first being rolled out on the NETA L in June via OTA updates. "AI models will lead a new industrial revolution, reshaping all industries. Car brands that do not embrace AI models will become the next 'Nokia,'" said Zhou Hongyi, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of 360 Group, at the time.
In August this year, XPeng Motors made corresponding organizational adjustments to its autonomous driving department, establishing three new functional areas: AI Model Development, AI Application Development, and AI Efficiency Development, aimed at accelerating the evolution of AI capabilities and the organizational transformation towards AI. "In the future, AI technology will influence nearly 50% of purchasing decisions, and XPeng Motors aims to become a global AI automotive company within the next 10 years," XPeng's Chairman, He Xiaopeng, stated at the launch event of the XPeng MONA M03 on August 27. adding that selling 1 million units annually will be the entry ticket to the final AI automotive competition.
Yang Guang, CEO of YaochuXing, mentioned in a previous interview that AI models will bring disruptive changes, and all companies must pay close attention to the iteration and evolution of AI. In many critical areas, the impact of AI over the next 5 to 10 years will be on par with the impact brought by the birth of the internet.
