In a move that diverges from the traditional path of developing and embedding self-driving systems within vehicles, Seoul Robotics has chosen to rely on surrounding infrastructure to do some of the heavy lifting. This innovative approach has attracted new investors and $25 million in venture funding.
Infrastructure-Based Autonomy
Instead of outfitting vehicles with sensors, Seoul Robotics is equipping surrounding infrastructure with sensors to collect information about the environment. The company’s Level 5 Control Tower (LV5 CTRL TWR) platform, paired with its Sensr software, gathers data from various sources such as cameras and lidar radar, and then sends it to vehicles.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
According to Seoul Robotics’ CEO Hanbin Lee, the LV5 CTRL TWR utilizes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connectivity built into vehicles to navigate them autonomously without requiring additional hardware. This technology helps provide information on the surrounding environment and chooses the safest path for the vehicle.
Autonomy through Infrastructure (ATI)
Seoul Robotics’ ATI approach manages a car’s functions such as lane-keeping and brake assistance via its technology, along with a V2X communication system that sends information from a vehicle to any surrounding infrastructure and other vehicles. This innovative system can automate millions of cars passing through a parking lot with only a few hundred sensors.
Deployment and Partnerships
Seoul Robotics has already deployed its technology in partnership with BMW for the German car manufacturer’s pilot program, featuring the new BMW 7 Series and the fully electric BMW i7. The company is also working with other global manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Qualcomm, and LG Uplus to diversify the use of its system.
Expansion and Future Plans
With this latest funding, Seoul Robotics plans to grow its team and expand applications of Sensr to bring its automated vehicle technology to other potential partners across industries like logistics (rental car fleets, trucking yards, and automated valet parking systems), smart cities, and security. The company is also exploring opportunities in California, Florida, Tennessee, Europe, and Asia.
Investors and Funding
The Series B funding was led by KB Investment, with additional investors including Noh and Partners, Future Play, Korean Development Bank, Artesian, and Access Ventures participating. Seoul Robotics raised $6 million in a Series A in 2020.
Seoul Robotics’ Latest Achievement
Recently, the company’s Sensr software achieved a significant milestone by detecting an anomaly in a vehicle’s surroundings, demonstrating its ability to improve safety on roads.
Conclusion
By relying on infrastructure-based autonomy and advanced driver assistance systems, Seoul Robotics has disrupted the traditional approach to developing self-driving technology. With its innovative solutions and growing list of partnerships, the company is poised for continued success in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous vehicles.
