Autonomous vehicles similar to those appearing in cartoons or movies could make it to the market by 2020. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 15 (Korea Bizwire) – Autonomous vehicles similar to those appearing in cartoons or movies could make it to the market by 2020.
Over the next five years, Hyundai-Kia Automative Group will invest more than 2 trillion won to commercialize autonomous vehicles that can make driving decisions on their own. Interest in the project is high, as other automakers such as Mercedes-Benz are targeting the same goals.
Industry officials comment that considering the current technology levels of the Hyundai-Kia Automative Group, the autonomous features might not be as perfect as those appearing in cartoons or movies, but the goal is achievable.
The group plans to secure core technology related to three variables – ‘perception’ of the surroundings through various sensors, ‘making decisions’ based on the gathered information, and ‘control’ that actually enables the car to drive by itself. All efforts will be focused on optimizing and stabilizing the technology.
In the ‘perception’ field, Hyundai-Kia will push to produce highly precise sensors similar to those currently being produced by dominant global auto parts suppliers such as Bosch. The cars will be equipped with high-definition cameras, and cutting-edge perception systems using more than two sensors will be developed.
To make the vehicles choose the perfect strategy based on the right decision, an ‘autonomous navigation control logic program’ will be developed for exclusive use in Hyundai-Kia cars. Technology efforts related to ‘control’ will focus on securing credibility and preventing the system from crashing in unexpected situations, and leading to accidents.
The entire corporate body is being mobilized to realize perfect autonomous navigation capabilities. Hyundai-Kia will work with Hyundai Motor Group affiliates such as Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai MNsoft, and Hyundai Autron, as well as their subsidiaries and allies in the auto parts industry to develop new technology.
Hyundai-Kia already possesses high-level autonomous navigation technology that is comparable to other global auto industry leaders.
While IT businesses pursuing autonomous vehicles such as Google are focusing on realizing various features, Hyundai-Kia’s development is being conducted with performance, cost, manufacturing processes, durability and design all taken into consideration, setting the stage for mass production.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
