DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

 DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF 

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane

BREAKTHROUGH AUTONOMOUS ROBOT

                                                                    Source:  XPeng

• Chinese EV giant XPeng has created a breakthrough, autonomous robot for kids to ride.  It's breakthrough because of its autonomous software system.  Here are some key facts:
• It's a 4-legged, robot dog built for kids to ride
• Called Unicorn
• Software is based on XPeng's autonomous car self-driving system
• Said to give kids incredible freedom of movement and joy 
• The architecture is light, strong and robust enough to handle a child playing
• XPeng says that by adding an arm, they can turn it into a service robot
• Unicorn speaks
• It's electric powered
• Just unveiled at an automotive exhibition in Asia.

A REASON FOR TESLA TO BE ANXIOUS

                                            Source: Xiaomi

• A new EV by Chinese smart phone company Xiaomi is giving Tesla and Porsche a run for their money.  Here's what we know:
• Xiaomi just unveiled its EV SU7 sedan with a 497-mile range
• In the first 36 hours, it received 120,000 orders
• All-electric sedan that recharges for 242 miles in 10 minutes
• Considered to be a major threat to Tesla in the China market
• Offers smart car connectivity, fast acceleration and is less expensive than a Tesla Model 3
• Pricing starts at $68,000 
• Self-driving capabilities
• Self-parking system
• ADAS powered by LiDAR
• Sleek, aerodynamic design similar to a Porsche 
• Tesla is facing intense competition in China, not only from the new SU7 but also from new EVs coming from XPeng and BYD
• SU7 is just rolling onto the Chinese market with some great automotive reviews.

"Daily Innovation Brief"© By Edward Kane