Alibaba Backs WayRay with $18M to Revolutionize AR Car Navigation
In a strategic move following Intel’s acquisition of Mobileye, e-commerce giant Alibaba has spearheaded an $18 million investment round in WayRay, a Swiss augmented reality (AR) automotive navigation startup. This funding highlights the growing race to dominate next-gen vehicle interfaces.
WayRay’s Cutting-Edge AR Automotive Technology
WayRay specializes in:
- Advanced heads-up displays (HUDs) for drivers
- Fully immersive AR/VR systems for future autonomous vehicles
“WayRay stands alone as the world’s only developer integrating AR systems directly into vehicles,” emphasized CEO Vitaly Ponomarev. “This unique position gives us a competitive edge over conventional HUDs and enables partnerships with global automotive leaders.”
Strategic Partnerships and Product Roadmap
The funding coincides with two major developments:
- Collaboration with Banma Technologies (an Alibaba-SAIC Motor joint venture) to co-develop next-gen navigation and infotainment systems
- Navion AR HUD - set to debut in a 2018 SAIC Motor vehicle, marking the world’s first production car with holographic AR display technology
Global Expansion Plans
While establishing roots in China through its Shanghai office, WayRay has ambitious international goals:
- Launch consumer version of Navion AR navigation system in 2017
- Secure contracts with major global automakers
- Expand its Moscow R&D center operations
Why AR Matters for Automotive Future
Banma Technologies CEO Alex Shi explains the safety benefits:
“AR navigation eliminates dangerous dashboard glances by projecting critical data directly onto windshields - keeping drivers’ eyes on the road.”
Looking ahead, the technology promises to evolve into immersive VR entertainment systems for autonomous vehicles.
Technical Advantages and Investor Confidence
WayRay’s patented technology delivers:
- Full-color windshield projections
- Wider viewing angles
- Compact hardware requirements
The \(18M round brings WayRay's total funding to \)30M, with participation from existing investors including Russian financial giant Sistema. This vote of confidence underscores the transformative potential of AR in reshaping how we interact with vehicles.
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