WeRide, in collaboration with Guangdong Huadalong City Management, has launched the commercial operation of its autonomous sanitation vehicle, the Robosweeper S1, in Shantou, Guangdong. This marks the first deployment of Level 4 (L4) autonomous sanitation technology in Shantou and the broader eastern Guangdong region.
The Robosweeper S1, which began safety trials at Chaoren Wharf Square in Shantou in June, will conduct regular driverless sanitation operations in the Haibin Road area following the trial phase. Chaoren Wharf, located on the western section of Haibin Road, is a prominent landmark that connects the historical cultural axis of Shantou’s old town.
The WeRide Robosweeper S1 is designed as the world’s first L4 autonomous sanitation equipment capable of comprehensive coverage across various road environments. It features 360-degree perception and can operate on different surfaces, including squares, side roads, and sidewalks. A single charge allows it to clean over 120,000 square meters.
The vehicle’s introduction in Shantou has garnered attention, including coverage by local media. Sanitation worker Cheng Longchao highlighted the vehicle’s resilience in harsh weather conditions, noting that it improves the quality of sanitation work while reducing the physical demands on workers. The Robosweeper S1 is capable of operating autonomously, following preset routes for cleaning and waste disposal, even in extreme conditions such as high temperatures and strong winds.
WeRide’s smart sanitation products are already in use in several cities, including Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen, and others, as well as internationally in Singapore. These deployments highlight the technology’s adaptability across various urban environments and demonstrate the scalability of WeRide’s business model in the intelligent upgrade of traditional sanitation services.
In addition to its advancements in autonomous sanitation technology, WeRide is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States, aiming for a valuation of up to $5.02 billion. WeRide expects to raise approximately $96 million from the IPO, potentially increasing to $111.3 million if underwriters fully exercise their over-allotment option.
