TuSimple pivot from self-driving to AI animation is complete with CreateAI rebrand

TuSimple has rebranded as CreateAI, shifting its focus from autonomous trucking to AI animation and gaming. This pivot follows controversies over plans to transfer U.S. assets to China and the shutdown of its self-driving truck operations. The company, which delisted from the stock market in January 2024, is now involved in developing a role-playing video game, "Heroes of Jin Yong," through a $25 million deal with companies linked to co-founder Mo Chen. To mitigate conflicts of interest, Chen transferred ownership of these companies to a family trust. Despite the pivot, CreateAI plans to license its self-driving technology in China and monetize existing autonomous driving IP.

CreateAI has launched "Ruyi," an open-source image-to-video AI model, leveraging its autonomous driving expertise. The company aims to develop proprietary AI tools for video game and anime content creation, collaborating with Japanese anime designer Shōji Kawamori on new projects. Former CEO Xiaodi Hou opposes the asset transfer to China and seeks to replace the board to liquidate the company and return cash to shareholders. CreateAI's strategy emphasizes generative AI in digital entertainment, with CEO Cheng Lu highlighting long-term growth opportunities in this integrated approach.

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TuSimple has rebranded to CreateAI, shifting its focus from autonomous trucking to AI animation and gaming.
Controversy surrounds the company's plans to move its U.S. assets to China, with accusations of self-dealing against co-founder Mo Chen.
CreateAI has launched an open-source "image-to-video" AI model named "Ruyi," leveraging its autonomous driving expertise.
Shareholders, including co-founder Xiaodi Hou, are opposing the asset move to China, advocating for liquidation to return cash to stockholders.

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TuSimple pivot from self-driving to AI animation is complete with CreateAI rebrand | TechCrunch

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