Westwell Lab

Westwell, established in 2016 and headquartered in Shanghai, is a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI)-based logistics company specializing in the design and development of AI chips and autopilot control systems for AI-powered autonomous vehicles in the logistics industry. The company's flagship product, the Q-Truck, an autonomous, battery-powered commercial vehicle, was launched in 2018. The Q-Truck has a load capacity of 80 tons and a battery life of 200 kilometers, equipped with AI cameras, lidar, millimeter wave radar, and a high-precision GPS receiving system. In November 2021, Westwell introduced Qomolo One, a multi-use unmanned heavy-duty mobile platform featuring a modularized body that can be reconfigured for various purposes, such as an unmanned logistics truck or an unmanned bus. As of February 2024, Westwell had a valuation of 7 billion yuan (USD 973 million). The company employs over 700 staff, with 80% focusing on research and development. Westwell's future plans include expanding into "semi-closed loop" environments, such as autonomous transport between airports and logistics parks. In February 2024, Westwell inaugurated an international headquarters and research center in Hong Kong, investing HKD 300 million to attract research talent. The company aims to leverage Hong Kong's strategic location, well-established infrastructure, and status as an international finance center to establish connections with global markets and accelerate research and application of AI and autonomous driving technology.

Key customers and partnerships

Westwell's major clients include Hutchison Port Holdings and China Merchants Ports. In 2020, the company collaborated with Hutchison Ports to introduce its autonomous trucks at Thailand's Laem Chabang Port. Additionally, Westwell signed an agreement with the Port of Felixstowe, part of the Hutchison Ports network, to deploy 100 Q-Trucks at the UK's largest container port, with 34 trucks delivered as of February 2024. Over the past year, Westwell's Hong Kong subsidiary has expanded its operations into countries such as Singapore, the UK, and the Netherlands as part of its global expansion strategy. The company intends to collaborate with Hong Kong universities and research institutes, with discussions having taken place with the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, although no concrete plans have been finalized as of February 2024.