Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

WeRide Launches 24/7 Robotaxi Testing in Beijing, Advances Towards Full-Day Service

BEIJING, Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has received approval to conduct late-night testing of its Robotaxi on public roads within the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone from 10pm to 7am. This milestone marks a crucial step for WeRide in building a 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network in Beijing, laying the groundwork for all-weather, all-day autonomous mobility services.

Beijing's complex night-time road conditions, characterized by low lighting, environmental interference, and heavy rain in the summer and snow in the winter, pose significant challenges for autonomous driving systems. These conditions place heightened demand on the perception, decision-making, and control capabilities, especially in maintaining effective sensor fusion between LiDAR and cameras under low-light conditions, accurately identifying pedestrians at night, and executing timely responses.

To address potential visibility issues at night, WeRide's Robotaxi is equipped with more than 20 sensors, including high-precision, high-dynamic cameras and high-line LiDARs across the vehicle. Combined with its proprietary multi-sensor fusion algorithm and HPC high-performance computing platform, the system achieves 360-degree blind-spot-free coverage of up to 200 meters detection range. This ensures stable perception and rapid decision-making even under poor lighting or adverse weather, enabling safe, continuous night-time operations.

Extreme weather conditions such as rain, dust, and heavy snow pose challenges to autonomous driving stability as well. WeRide utilizes automotive-grade sensors, stringent assembly processes, and a self-developed smart sensor cleaning system that detects dirt and moisture and triggers automatic cleaning — ensuring accurate, reliable perception in all environmental conditions.

As a global leader in Robotaxi area, WeRide has conducted Robotaxi testing or operations in 10 cities across four countries, accumulating over 2,200 days of open-road safe experience. In May 2025, WeRide launched China’s first 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network in a Tier-1 city, Guangzhou, gaining extensive full-day, all-scenario operational experience.

WeRide Inc.

WeRide's Robotaxi GXR undergoing night testing in Beijing

The launch of 24/7 Robotaxi autonomous driving testing in Beijing marks a key milestone in validating WeRide’s technology and safety systems. It also helps address gaps in public transportation during off-peak hours, such as late nights and early mornings, by improving vehicle availability in less frequented times and remote areas.

Looking ahead, WeRide will continue to leverage its proprietary full-stack autonomous driving technology and safety systems to grow its ride-hailing services, supporting the development of smarter, more sustainable city transportation.

About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been tested or operated in over 30 cities across 10 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in six markets: China, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.

Media Contact
pr@weride.ai

Safe Harbor Statement
This Report (including its exhibit) contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this Report is as of the date of this Report. WeRide does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

A photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0cd10556-5b4a-4f03-b2f2-6739d7aa1685


Primary Logo

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.