Hesai launches 3D spatial camera as Chinese lidar maker expands into physical AI

Hesai Group, the world’s largest maker of lidar sensors for vehicles, has launched a 3D spatial camera as it expands into physical artificial intelligence in search of new growth opportunities.

The handheld device, called Kosmo, is described by Hesai as a “physical AI eye” and converts real-world environments into detailed, editable 3D models. The company said it was designed to standardise the digitisation of complex spaces such as campuses and factories.

“Our interesting new products, which represent an extension of our innovative capabilities, will lead to some new business patterns,” David Li Yifan, CEO of Hesai, told reporters in a media briefing on Wednesday.

“Hesai has some other product series in the pipeline that can contribute to the development of the infrastructure for the entire physical AI industry.”

Kosmo is supported by an intelligent platform that integrates AI algorithms, digital 3D models and cloud services. The company said the device could help filmmakers, video game developers and cultural service providers convert physical environments into production-ready 3D content more quickly.

Li said Hesai envisioned building a Kosmo platform to help train robots as embodied AI develops. The company has partnered with Pixar Animation Studios to develop Kosmo-related technologies.

The CEO said Hesai aimed to evolve into a broader technology company as the AI industry grows, adding that its technologies and products could eventually be supplied to businesses such as humanoid robot makers.

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In August, Andrew Fan, chief financial officer of the Shanghai-based firm, told the South China Morning Post that the company was more than an automotive supplier, pointing to its push into AI-related products.

In April, Hesai unveiled its “6D” full-colour platform, saying it would enable lidar sensors to measure distances and identify small objects with industry-leading performance. It describes the technology as 6D because of the sensors’ ability to detect the X, Y and Z coordinates of an object, plus its reflectivity, velocity and colour.

The lidar sensors are powered by Hesai’s self-developed Picasso chip and have not yet been delivered to customers.

Hesai’s push into AI comes as Beijing seeks to make China a global leader in robotics, backed by a strong supply chain for the industry.

China is already the world’s largest market for industrial robots and a leading developer of humanoids. In 2024, it accounted for 54 per cent of the world’s industrial robot installations, ­according to data released by the International Federation of Robotics in September 2025.

Hesai’s lidar sensors help intelligent vehicles map their surroundings. The company supplies products to China’s 10 largest automotive groups.

The company reported net income of 70.6 million yuan (US$10.4 million) for the three months ended June, up 60 per cent from a year earlier. Revenue grew 21 per cent to 860.8 million yuan, it said.