South Korea’s Kakao Mobility has partnered with Nvidia to develop advanced autonomous-driving technology, targeting Level 4 vehicle automation as the company prepares to expand its driverless transportation services.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding during Nvidia’s AI Day Seoul, a two-day technology event hosted by the US semiconductor company. The agreement will combine Kakao Mobility’s proprietary artificial intelligence models with Nvidia’s high-performance computing platform to develop an autonomous-driving system designed to meet international standards.
The collaboration is intended to strengthen Kakao Mobility’s technological capabilities and accelerate its progress towards commercial deployment of fully driverless vehicles.
Partnership Targets Level 4 Autonomous Driving
Under the agreement, Kakao Mobility will integrate its AI-based autonomous-driving technology with Nvidia’s computing infrastructure to develop a Level 4 driving system.
Level 4 automation allows vehicles to operate without human intervention within defined operating conditions and designated environments. Unlike Level 2 and Level 3 systems, Level 4 vehicles can perform all driving tasks within their approved operational areas without requiring a human driver to take control.
The technology represents an important step towards commercial robotaxi services and other driverless mobility applications.
Kakao Mobility aims to use the partnership to improve how its autonomous-driving systems process road information, interpret surrounding environments and make vehicle-control decisions.
Nvidia Halos to Support Autonomous Vehicle Safety
The collaboration will also involve Nvidia Halos, the company’s integrated safety framework for autonomous vehicles.
Kakao Mobility plans to use the platform to support the development, testing and validation of its autonomous-driving technology.
Safety validation is a critical part of developing Level 4 systems, which must demonstrate reliable performance across complex driving situations within their designated operating conditions.
By combining its proprietary AI models with Nvidia’s computing and safety technologies, Kakao Mobility aims to establish a more comprehensive development process covering autonomous-driving software, system integration and validation.
Kakao Mobility Seeks Greater Role in Driverless Transportation
The agreement is part of Kakao Mobility’s broader effort to strengthen its position in the autonomous transportation market.
The company, a transportation-services affiliate of South Korean technology group Kakao, aims to develop end-to-end autonomous-driving capabilities while preparing for the commercial introduction of higher levels of vehicle automation.
Kakao Mobility CEO Ryu Gung-seon said the partnership would support both technology development and the company’s preparations for commercial deployment.
We will not only accelerate the advancement of our end-to-end autonomous driving technology but also prepare for the era of Level 4 commercialization.
Ryu added that the company intends to connect software developers, automotive-component suppliers and vehicle manufacturers as the industry moves towards increasingly autonomous transportation systems.
Nvidia Expands Its Autonomous Driving Ecosystem
The partnership also strengthens Nvidia’s involvement in the global autonomous-driving industry, where its computing platforms and software tools are used by companies developing advanced vehicle technologies.
For Kakao Mobility, access to Nvidia’s computing and safety infrastructure could help accelerate the development and validation of its autonomous-driving systems.
The collaboration highlights the growing importance of partnerships between mobility service providers and semiconductor technology companies as the automotive industry advances towards commercial Level 4 autonomous transportation.