Tusimple responded to recent doubts and rumors at a press conference today. Chen Mo, Lv Cheng, and Hao Jianan stated that the company's shift in business direction is a normal commercial activity and does not involve any fraudulent or profit-related misconduct.
It is understood that Tusimple has recently ventured into the AIGC field and announced the acquisition of the "The Three-Body Problem" IP, with plans to develop animated feature films and video games based on the "The Three-Body Problem" series. Chen Mo explained that the founding intention of Shui Mo Xia Dao Company was his personal interest and passion for martial arts, animation, and games. Since its establishment, the company has operated independently of Tusimple Group and has never used any of Tusimple's funds or corporate resources.
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Lv Cheng explained that the TRO injunction issued by the Southern California Court in the United States had a significant impact on Tusimple's autonomous driving business in China and led to the departure of a large number of core technical R&D teams. To ensure road test safety, Tusimple gradually reduced its autonomous driving R&D testing. The company's senior management team began preliminary exploration of generative AI applications and actively communicated with the board of directors.
Tusimple held a board meeting on August 12, 2024, officially approving the establishment of a new business direction in generative AI, formally entering the animation film and game industry. On August 15, the company officially announced the IP licensing and cooperation with the Three-Body Universe.
Tusimple denied the rumors of fund transfer. Lv Cheng pointed out that the company's exploration of new business strategies and directions is a normal recruitment of relevant talents to carry out commercial activities, and there is no violation of any rules. Shui Mo Xia Dao is Chen Mo's personal company, which has always operated independently of Tusimple Group.
Tusimple's new business direction is the application of generative AI, including the animation film and game industry. The company plans to develop animated feature films and video games based on the "The Three-Body Problem" series and cooperate with the Three-Body Universe for related IP licensing.