TECH

Horizon Robotics Unveils 5-Nanometer Integrated Auto Chip

Published: Apr. 22, 2026 10:31 p.m. GMT+8

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Horizon Robotics founder and CEO Yu Kai unveils the 5-nanometer Starry chip on April 22.

Chinese autonomous-driving chipmaker Horizon Robotics has launched its first 5-nanometer automotive-grade processor that integrates smart-cabin and self-driving capabilities into a single chip, aiming to help carmakers cut costs amid an intensifying price war.

The release of the Starry chip and a companion in-car artificial-intelligence agent positions the company to compete directly with global heavyweights such as Nvidia Corp. and Qualcomm Inc. in the race to power the next generation of highly automated vehicles.

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Horizon Robotics launched Starry 6P, first 5-nm China-made automotive chip integrating smart-cabin/self-driving (650 TOPS, 273 GB/s bandwidth).
Cuts costs with 40GB memory vs. 64GB, saving ~5,000 yuan ($733)/vehicle; deals with 14 carmakers incl. BYD, Chery, Bosch.
Debuted KaKaClaw AI agent; 2025 revenue up 57.7% to 3.8B yuan, shipments >4M units.

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Who’s Who

Horizon Robotics: Horizon Robotics launched the Starry 6P, China's first 5nm automotive-grade chip integrating smart-cabin and self-driving functions. It delivers 650 TOPS, supports 30B-parameter AI models, and saves carmakers ~$733/vehicle vs. separate chips. Secured deals with 14 firms including BYD and Chery. Also debuted KaKaClaw AI agent. 2025 revenue: +57.7% to 3.8B yuan.

Nvidia Corp.: Horizon Robotics' Starry chip competes directly with Nvidia Corp. and Qualcomm in powering smart-cabin and self-driving features for automated vehicles. Horizon's AI agent KaKaClaw is compatible with Nvidia's computing platforms.

Qualcomm Inc.: Horizon Robotics' Starry chip competes with Qualcomm Inc. in powering automated vehicles. Its KaKaClaw AI agent is compatible with Qualcomm's computing platforms.

BYD Co. Ltd.: BYD Co. Ltd. is one of 14 carmakers that has secured a preliminary production agreement for Horizon Robotics' Starry 6P chip, which integrates smart-cabin and self-driving functions.

BAIC Group: BAIC Group has secured a preliminary production agreement for Horizon Robotics' Starry 6P chip, which integrates smart-cabin and self-driving functions.

Chery Automobile Co. Ltd.: Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. has a preliminary production agreement with Horizon Robotics for the Starry 6P chip. Horizon's KaKaClaw AI agent will debut in Chery's iCar V27 model.

Robert Bosch GmbH: Robert Bosch GmbH, a Tier 1 supplier, has secured a preliminary production agreement with Horizon Robotics for the Starry 6P chip.

MediaTek Inc.: KaKaClaw, Horizon Robotics' in-car AI agent, will be compatible with computing platforms from MediaTek Inc., Nvidia, and Qualcomm. It debuts in Chery’s iCar V27 model.

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