Hesai Technology (Hesai Group)
Category: Computer Vision
Hesai Technology is a Shanghai-based global leader in 3D LiDAR perception solutions for autonomous driving, robotics, and physical AI, dual-listed on Nasdaq (HSAI) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2525). Hesai Technology (Hesai Group) was founded in 2014. The company is led by Dr. Yifan "David" Li. Based in Shanghai, China. Team size: 500+. Total funding raised: $1.32B. Latest round: IPO. Key investors include GL Ventures (Hillhouse), Xiaomi, Meituan, CPE (Citic Private Equity), Lightspeed Venture Partners, Bosch Venture Capital, Pagoda Investment, Luminous Ventures, Baidu.
- Founded
- 2014
- Headquarters
- Shanghai, China
- Team size
- 500+
- Total funding
- $1.32B
Value proposition
Full-stack proprietary ASIC-based LiDAR and 3D perception solutions that digitize the physical world, enabling ADAS, autonomous mobility, spatial intelligence, and embodied AI robotics at scale.
Products and solutions
Automotive-grade LiDAR (ETX, AT, FTX, JT128/64P, OT128, Pandar, QT series), 6D full-color LiDAR, Kosmo spatial intelligence platform (spatial cameras, algorithms, 3D assets, cloud services), robotic actuation modules (dexterous-hand to full-body joints), Picasso chip platform
Unique value
Integrated R&D-testing-manufacturing with proprietary full-stack ASIC capabilities; world's No.1 automotive LiDAR company (17 consecutive months of #1 market share); expanding from LiDAR into full-chain physical AI infrastructure (perception, understanding, action).
Target customer
Global automakers (Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, Great Wall Motor, GAC Toyota, Li Auto), robotaxi operators, humanoid robotics companies (Unitree, Galbot, Sharpa), and embodied intelligence firms across 40+ countries.
Industries served
Automotive (ADAS/autonomous mobility), robotics & embodied AI, spatial intelligence, warehousing & logistics, industrial/agricultural/service robots, robotaxis & roboshuttles.
Technology advantage
Full-stack proprietary ASIC chip design (Picasso platform), integrated R&D-manufacturing, 2000+ global patent portfolio, 6D full-color LiDAR, and robotic actuation modules ~37% smaller with 3x torque/power density vs leading products.
How they differentiate
Hesai differentiates through full-stack proprietary ASIC design, integrated in-house manufacturing (China/Thailand), cost leadership, and expansion beyond LiDAR into the full physical AI chain (spatial intelligence + robotic actuation), unlike pure-LiDAR competitors.
Main competitors
Luminar Technologies, Innoviz Technologies, Ouster, RoboSense, Cepton.
Key partnerships
Nvidia ecosystem (supplier to Unitree Robotics and Sharpa), Mercedes-Benz (strategic lidar partner & confirmed supplier for L3-enabled models, May 2026), Volkswagen Group (global design win), Great Wall Motor, GAC Toyota, Li Auto, Galbot, Sharpa, Unitree Robotics, Robbyant, Honor Robotics, Galaxea
Notable customers
Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, Great Wall Motor, GAC Toyota, Li Auto, Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Sharpa, Robbyant, Honor Robotics, Galaxea, Dexmal
Major milestones
2023: Nasdaq IPO (HSAI) raising ~$190M, first Chinese LiDAR maker to list in US, 2025: dual-primary listing on HKEX (2525) raising ~$533M (largest global LiDAR IPO), world's first LiDAR company to deliver 2M cumulative units, named #1 global automotive LiDAR company for 5 consecutive years, 2026: expanding into physical AI with Kosmo spatial intelligence platform and robotic actuation modules.
Growth metrics
Q2 2026 revenue RMB 860M (~$127M); GAAP net income RMB 70.55M (+60% YoY), 5th consecutive profitable quarter; robotics LiDAR deliveries 142,371 units (+193.4% YoY); ADAS deliveries 485,904 units (+60.1% YoY); cumulative 2M+ LiDAR units delivered.
Market positioning
World's #1 global automotive LiDAR company for five consecutive years; ranked #1 in primary LiDAR market share for 17 consecutive months; included in Morgan Stanley's 'Humanoid 100' list across LiDAR, vision sensors, and actuators.
Geographic focus
Global footprint with offices in Shanghai, Palo Alto, and Stuttgart; factories in China and Thailand; customers in 40+ countries.
Patents and IP
2000+ global patent portfolio; David Li holds 100+ patents in robotics, motion control, sensors, and advanced manufacturing.
About Dr. Yifan "David" Li
Principal Engineer at Western Digital (Silicon Valley); PhD in Robotics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; BS Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University. World Economic Forum Young Global Leader; Fortune 40 Under 40 China; MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35.
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Official website: https://www.hesaitech.com
