On September 30, Horizon Robotics introduced version 2.1 of its Horizon SuperDrive (HSD) full-scenario driving assistance system. This version includes a full-cycle reverse function, which the company claims is the first in China designed for mass production and operational in all scenarios.
The first model to receive this capability is the iCAR V27 from Chery. Updates will be rolled out to owners via Over-The-Air (OTA) updates starting October 8. The release schedule for other partner models will depend on announcements from the automakers.
Previously, the HSD system primarily operated in forward motion mode. With version 2.1, the system can now independently decide to reverse in typical complex situations. Such situations include encountering an approaching vehicle on a narrow road, detecting an obstacle in the path, or needing to exit a confined space, after which the system continues moving forward.
Horizon asserts that this function became possible through continuous training of the base HSD model using a global model and full-cycle reinforcement learning. This requires precise three-dimensional spatial perception, the ability to make decisions in complex traffic environments, and fine continuous control over the vehicle. Since HSD utilizes a one-stage full-cycle architecture, the improvements also extend to regular driving and parking.
Compared to version 2.0, Horizon reports that V2.1 increases the average distance traveled per intervention by 43%, boosts interactive lane changes when the vehicle interacts with surrounding traffic by 255%, and improves the probability of successful parking in tight spots by 20%. In its official social media post, the company listed 18 new features and 26 user experience optimizations.
Driving updates include automatic audible warnings and headlight flashing upon risk detection by the system, improved maneuvering during overtaking on narrow roads, more active blind spot protection, and enhanced activation during start and stop at the destination. Regarding parking, the tracking reverse function now smoothly transfers control to the parking assistance system, allowing the vehicle to enter an empty space it detected while reversing. The full-cycle parking model has been upgraded, the user parking zone now automatically adjusts to the optimal position, and improved occupancy perception more reliably detects small obstacles. After traveling 100 kilometers with driving assistance, a new visual theme in the form of a building block is unlocked.
Horizon first demonstrated V2.1 on September 15 at an event celebrating the launch of the 15-million chip Journey. HSD 2.0 began deployment on June 30, with iCAR V27 again becoming the first series vehicle. Currently, HSD is available from several automakers, including Volkswagen. Horizon presents V2.1 as proof that the one-stage full-cycle system can continue to provide tangible benefits even through minor updates.