Kia is set to commercialize remote driving technology for its purpose-built vehicle (PBV) PV5 by the end of the year, allowing vehicles to be controlled without a driver from an external control center.
On July 23, Kia announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KT and SUM at its headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, to promote the commercialization of remote driving technology.
This agreement follows Kia's successful demonstration of remote driving on public roads using the PV5 last November, marking the first such trial in South Korea.
Remote driving technology enables real-time control of unmanned vehicles via 4G and 5G networks. Users can remotely move vehicles to desired locations or park them in designated areas after exiting, which is expected to alleviate urban parking issues and enhance mobility convenience.
The technology can also serve as an auxiliary system to safely relocate autonomous vehicles in case of malfunctions, and it can be applied to public services such as mobile unmanned marts and libraries.
The companies aim to collaborate on launching the PV5-based remote driving service within the year. Kia will focus on vehicle and technology development, KT will manage communication infrastructure and network quality, and SUM will oversee remote driving technology and control system operations.
Additionally, they plan to enhance autonomous driving technology using data collected during remote service operations, while also exploring use cases for remote driving technology, improving regulations, and conducting joint promotions to foster an unmanned mobility ecosystem.
Kang Joo-yeop, Senior Vice President of Kia's New Business Planning Division, stated, "This agreement is significant in establishing a collaborative foundation to accelerate the commercialization of remote driving technology."
Meanwhile, the Kia PV5, the company's first purpose-built vehicle launched in June last year, sold 8,500 units in its first year. This year, Kia aims to sell 54,000 units through a global rollout.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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