Alibaba invests in WayRay

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14.03.2017
Wayray holographic HUD

WayRay is a Swiss developer of a holographic augmented reality technology for internet-connected cars. The company raised US$18 million funding in round led by Alibaba and SAIC.

The system of WayRay, a start-up headquartered in Switzerland, revolutionizes the way people access information at the wheel, utilizing the windshield as the most natural medium for delivering content. "At the moment, WayRay is the world’s only developer that integrates augmented reality systems into cars. It gives us an advantage over traditional head up displays and provides the opportunity to collaborate with the largest global car brands. In 2017, we aim to release a consumer version of Navion, our AR navigation system, and to sign contracts with major global car manufacturers to implement our ground-breaking infotainment system,” said Vitaly Ponomarev, founder and CEO of WayRay.

Ethan Xie, Senior Investment Director of Alibaba Group, commented: “We believe there is huge potential in the development of leading-edge technology like augmented reality and its application to various industries, like Wayray’s AR navigation system in the auto sector. The potential of augmented reality makes it an exciting and promising area.”

Partnership with connected cars start-up Banma
In addition to the investment WayRay announced that it has entered into a partnership with Banma Technologies to develop a new AR car navigation and infotainment system. Banma Technologies is an independent startup dedicated to furthering developments of internet-connected cars that's funded by Alibaba Group and China’s largest automaker, SAIC Motor. WayRay will work closely with this consortium to create an advanced AR HMI that integrates augmented reality navigation, driving assistant notifications, a virtual dashboard, and much more. The new system will be built into one of Banma’s 2018 car models, making it the world’s first vehicle in production with a holographic AR head-up display (HUD).

“Augmented reality HUDs are the future of car navigation systems. Rather than distracting the driver, AR navigation actually improves safety as the warnings and traffic data are placed right on the windshield. Moreover, with the rise of self-driving cars and enhanced auto control mechanisms, AR systems will enhance entertainment and communication within the car. We believe that WayRay’s AR systems will bring us one step closer to advanced connected cars,” Alex Shi, CEO of Banma, commented on the deal.

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