VinFast has announced a strategic partnership with Israeli artificial intelligence company Autobrains to jointly develop advanced autonomous driving technologies aimed at making self-driving features more affordable for mass-market electric vehicles. The collaboration, formally revealed in late January 2026, focuses on expanding VinFast’s existing driver assistance capabilities while advancing new autonomous architecture.
Under the agreement, the two companies will work on enhanced Level 2++ autonomous driving systems for future VinFast electric vehicles. VinFast’s current EV models already include Level 2 driver-assistance technology, and the upgraded version is currently in pilot testing on the VF 8 and VF 9 models. Over time, this system is expected to be integrated more broadly across the company’s product lineup.
A key focus of the collaboration is the development of what both firms describe as the “Robo-Car” system — a new autonomous vehicle architecture designed to deliver advanced self-driving capabilities without relying on costly hardware traditionally used in autonomous systems. By using this approach, VinFast and Autobrains aim to reduce complexity and cost associated with higher levels of autonomy.
Instead of expensive LiDAR sensors, radar arrays, and high-definition mapping, the Robo-Car architecture uses seven standard cameras and a compact high-performance computing chip capable of handling large amounts of data processing. This design is intended to enable autonomous functionality at a lower cost and simpler hardware footprint compared with typical advanced autonomous systems.
The Robo-Car technology is powered by Autobrains’ AI architecture, which is tailored to interpret real-time driving scenarios while minimizing computational demands. The system also integrates a camera-based mapping technology that combines live visual data with satellite imagery, eliminating dependence on pre-mapped high-definition road data. On-ground tests are underway in controlled areas in Hanoi, with plans to expand trials to larger cities and international markets.
VinFast and Autobrains have said the partnership supports their shared goal of advancing autonomous mobility in ways that are both innovative and more accessible. The collaboration aligns with VinFast’s broader strategy to incorporate cutting-edge technology into its vehicles and strengthen its presence in global electric vehicle markets as the company continues its expansion efforts.
