Overview of Momenta Autonomous Driving Technology | Generated by AI
Question: What is an introduction to Momenta, the autopilot/autonomous driving company?
Answer:
Momenta is a leading Chinese autonomous driving technology company, specializing in developing AI-powered software for intelligent driving systems. Founded in September 2016 by CEO Cao Xudong (a former Microsoft Research scientist and SenseTime executive), the company is headquartered in Suzhou and Beijing, China.
Momenta focuses on building the “brain” for autonomous vehicles through deep learning-based solutions in perception, HD mapping, path planning, and decision-making. It adopts a unique “flywheel” approach — a data-driven method where algorithms continuously improve via massive real-world data iteration — combined with a “two-leg” product strategy:
- Mpilot: Mass-production-ready advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), covering L2 to L2++ features (with plans for L3/L4), including highway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot), urban NOA, memory parking, and more. These are deployed in numerous production vehicles.
- MSD (Momenta Self-Driving): Scalable full autonomy solutions targeting L4, including Robotaxi platforms for driverless operations.
The company emphasizes end-to-end deep learning models (including reinforcement learning advancements like Flywheel R6 in 2025) and mapless/no-map technologies for better adaptability across regions.
Momenta does not manufacture vehicles but supplies software to automakers (OEMs) and partners. It became China’s first self-driving unicorn in 2021 (valuation > $1 billion) and has raised over $1.4 billion from investors including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz (Daimler), BYD, SAIC, NIO Capital, Bosch, Tencent, and others.
Key partnerships and milestones (as of early 2026):
- Collaborations with Mercedes-Benz (ADAS in multiple China models like the electric CLA, potential global elements), BMW (driver assistance for new China lineup), GAC Toyota, Dongfeng Nissan, Honda, and others.
- Robotaxi initiatives: Commercial operations with SAIC Mobility in Shanghai/Suzhou; trials planned in China by late 2025; partnerships with Uber for Europe (Germany 2026 testing), Grab for Southeast Asia expansion, and Mercedes/Lumo in Abu Dhabi.
- Hardware integrations: Often uses NVIDIA DRIVE Orin chips; first to mass-produce urban NOA on a single Orin.
- Other: Joint ventures (e.g., with BYD for DiPi Intelligent Mobility) and international push into markets like Germany, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Momenta’s goal is safer mobility (vision to save 1 million lives in 10 years) through scalable, data-optimized autonomy. It stands out for its strong mass-production track record (dozens of models, extensive OEM “friends circle”) and balanced focus on both assisted driving revenue and full autonomy R&D.
References: