"Within 10cm Error, No Lane Departure" LG Uplus Demonstrates 5G-Based Outdoor Autonomous Driving Robot

LG Uplus announced on the 18th that it conducted a demonstration of an outdoor autonomous driving robot using a 5G network at Hyundai Oilbank's Seosan plant in Chungcheongnam-do, in collaboration with autonomous driving robot specialist Unmanned Solution. The photo shows LG Uplus's 5G autonomous driving robot patrolling the facilities of Hyundai Oilbank's Seosan plant in Chungnam. Photo by LG Uplus

[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Jo] LG Uplus, in collaboration with robot specialist Unmanned Solution, has successfully developed a '5G Autonomous Driving Robot' that autonomously navigates factory premises within a 10cm margin of error without human intervention, inspecting key facilities. Full-scale commercialization will begin next year.

LG Uplus announced on the 18th that it demonstrated an outdoor autonomous driving robot using 5G networks at Hyundai Oilbank's Seosan plant in Chungcheongnam-do. During the demonstration, the robot showcased ▲autonomous driving to the destination without remote control ▲lane recognition while driving ▲obstacle detection ▲thermal imaging camera-based facility temperature monitoring and real-time remote control, confirming precise driving at the 'cm level.'

The 5G autonomous driving robot was developed by integrating LG Uplus's 5G communication and real-time kinematic (RTK) high-precision positioning technology into Unmanned Solution's autonomous driving robot. The high-precision positioning technology corrects GPS errors, which can vary up to 30 meters, based on a reference station to secure a more accurate location. The robot receives correction information via 5G communication without delay, enabling it to patrol target areas precisely.

For precise operation during this demonstration, the robot was also equipped with AI-based 'eyes (cameras).' Accurate lane recognition is crucial in oil refineries where multiple vehicles operate simultaneously. LG Uplus's 5G autonomous driving robot succeeded in not deviating from lanes even once during the demonstration using advanced image recognition technology. Additionally, it emphasized autonomous driving safety by slowing down and stopping upon detecting obstacles.

The robot also showcased patrol functions specialized for oil refineries. The 5G autonomous driving robot equipped with a thermal imaging camera stops upon reaching designated high-temperature facility locations and detects the facility's temperature. The remote control room can also monitor high-definition video transmitted by the autonomous driving robot in real time via 5G communication.

Going forward, LG Uplus plans to further enhance refinery-specific functions by equipping intelligent video analysis solutions and hazardous gas detection Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. It also intends to continue advancing autonomous driving technology to operate alongside other general vehicles within uncontrolled traffic environments inside factories.

Seo Jaeyong, Executive Director of Convergence Business at LG Uplus, said, “In the oil refining industry, where many high-temperature facilities exist and safety is paramount, autonomous driving robots capable of 24-hour patrols will become core equipment,” adding, “We plan to complete demonstrations within this year and begin full-scale commercialization starting next year.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.