Applied EV, an Australian autonomous vehicle firm, has made headlines with the unveiling of its latest innovation, the '6th Generation Blanc Robot', which is built upon the underpinnings of the Suzuki Jimny. This driverless electric car platform was displayed for the first time at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, marking a significant step in the realm of AI automation for businesses.
This new vehicle is specifically designed to cater to the needs of last-mile delivery services and operations in industrial settings. According to Applied EV’s CEO, Julian Broadbent, the Blanc Robot aims to replace human drivers in tasks identified as dull, dangerous, dirty, or difficult. The vehicle features a versatile table-top platform that can be adapted for various functions, enabling it to navigate diverse environments, from expansive warehouses to rugged mines.
The robust flatbed design of the Blanc Robot is customisable due to its durable Suzuki Jimny chassis, which allows for off-road capabilities. The collaboration between Suzuki and Applied EV involves the manufacture of the initial 100 Blanc models, with Suzuki handling the construction of the body structures in Japan before they are shipped to Australia for integration with Applied's autonomous technology. Broadbent indicated that the next phase involves scaling production into the thousands, citing a growing global demand, including interest from the UK market.
Although the Blanc Robot is based on the Jimny, Broadbent clarified that this does not imply that an electric version of the Jimny is in the pipeline. Reports suggest that plans for an electric Jimny have been overshadowed by Suzuki's shift toward releasing its first fully electric vehicle, the e-Vitara. This model boasts an impressive 248-mile range and serves as an electric counterpart to the new Toyota Urban Cruiser.
The developments around the 6th Generation Blanc Robot illustrate a significant trend in AI and automation, particularly in how businesses might leverage new technologies for operational efficiency and adaptability in response to emerging market demands.
Source: Noah Wire Services