Kakao Mobility Launches Korea's First Paid Autonomous Driving Service in Sejong

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Kakao Mobility announced on the 20th that it will launch a paid autonomous driving service in Sejong City.

Kakao Mobility collaborated with autonomous driving solution startup Autonomous A2Z for this service. This is the first case in Korea to introduce a platform-based demand-responsive paid autonomous driving service in a commercial service format.

This service is a "demand-responsive autonomous driving service" where passengers can directly call or reserve an autonomous vehicle through the platform whenever needed. Vehicle calls, reservations, and fare payments are all made through the Kakao T platform.

The initial service will start with "early riders" selected by Sejong City at three boarding and alighting points along an approximately 4 km route near the Government Complex Sejong. The operation area and user base will gradually expand. Up to two passengers can ride in the vehicle, and a safety driver with expertise in autonomous driving systems will be on board for safety.

In this service, Autonomous A2Z provides the vehicle solution for autonomous driving, and Kakao Mobility provides the service platform. As this is the first platform-based paid autonomous driving service introduced in Korea, Kakao Mobility has worked to establish a separate service manual and platform operation policy suitable for autonomous driving services to lay the foundation for commercialization.

The paid autonomous driving service became possible following the enforcement of the "Autonomous Vehicle Act" in May this year, which permits paid passenger transport using autonomous vehicles, and the designation of the "Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Zone" by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in November, allowing demonstration of paid autonomous driving services.

Jang Sung-wook, Executive Director of Future Business at Kakao Mobility, said, "Starting with this service, we plan to refine not only the platform technology necessary for autonomous driving but also service elements suitable for the domestic market. Furthermore, we will establish a comprehensive cooperation system so that various domestic and international companies with excellent technology can accelerate the commercialization of autonomous driving services through Kakao T."

Han Ji-hyung, CEO of Autonomous A2Z, said, "Based on acquiring the first paid autonomous passenger transport operator license, we will continuously update our solutions and gradually expand the demand-responsive autonomous driving service areas."