Self-Driving Cars in Testing Phase in South Korea

Autonomous cars to debut soon in the country

South Korea: Autonomous cars are anticipated to debut in South Korea soon, as the country wants to stay up to date with the other countries which are already testing self-driving cars. A self-driving car which has been developed by Seoul National University professor Seo Seung is anticipated to hit the country’s streets by early next year.

Further, the car is already being tested within the university’s campus through a Hyundai Genesis sedan which has been fitted with appropriate cameras and sensors. The car has already been driven for more than 10,00Kms within the campus without having an incident in the past two years.

According to the new law which has been passed in the country, autonomous cars are allowed to travel on the streets in limited conditions within the country. Including Seo’s team’s car there are now 8 self-driving cars running in the country which have been registered with the country’s transport ministry.

Furthermore, Seo’s team has disclosed two new upgraded models of the self-driving vehicles which can identify road signs, traffic lights and navigate through narrow streets.

As per TechSci Research, testing of new self-driving vehicles in the country is further anticipated to lead to greater technological advancements in this concept. With successful testing of these cars in the country, it is expected that several leading companies might invest in the Seoul National University’s venture in the autonomous vehicles, thereby, supporting the concept of autonomous vehicles to boom in the country over the coming years.

According to a recent report published by TechSci Research, “Global Autonomous Car Technology Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2035 – ADAS, Semi-Autonomous, Fully-Autonomous”, globally, the automobile sector has been constantly evolving in terms of engine performance and design. Apart from these parameters, evolution of autonomous features in passenger cars is garnering attention of consumers across the world. Global autonomous car technology market is primarily divided into three segments - Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) car technologies, semi-autonomous car technology and fully-autonomous car technology. ADAS technologies are currently moving at a brisk pace on account of rising inclination towards greater automation. Moreover, fully-autonomous cars are expected to be commercially available by 2025, which is expected to translate into dramatic growth in the market. Key factors which are expected to drive growth in the market over the next twenty years include anticipated increase in regulations mandating integration of autonomous technology in new vehicles, decline in prices of autonomous technology and the rising focus on safety on roads.