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Alibaba Steps Up In‑House Tech With New AI Chip and Reported Robovan Merger

The push signals a bid to lessen reliance on foreign hardware.

Overview

  • Alibaba’s T-Head unit listed the Zhenwu 810E processor on its website, confirming a new proprietary data-center AI chip.
  • Industry analysts say the processor targets performance comparable to Nvidia’s A800 and A100, while Alibaba has not released full specifications.
  • The Wall Street Journal reports Cainiao will combine its autonomous-driving unit with Zelos to create Cainiao Robovan in a deal valuing the business at about $2 billion.
  • Sources indicate Zelos would run the combined operation, a Cainiao executive would join its board, and the fleet would exceed 20,000 robovans.
  • Alibaba shares rose in early trading after the developments, as Reuters said it could not independently verify the merger report and the companies declined comment.