Autonomous Cars Assembled Like Lego, Pilot Operation at Cheonggyecheon

People are boarding a self-driving bus at the Cheonggye Plaza stop in Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] FortytwoDot, a company developing autonomous driving solutions, unveiled its autonomous shuttle bus on the 26th and began pilot operations around Cheonggyecheon in Seoul.

Rather than modifying a mass-produced vehicle to enable autonomous driving, this is a purpose-built electric vehicle-based Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) designed from the planning stage specifically for autonomous public transportation. The company expects that it will be possible to set routes according to demand and operate on optimized paths using the autonomous driving system.

The company named the vehicle introduced this time ‘autonomous driving optimized for demand response (aDRT).’ The company is led by CEO Song Chang-hyun, who moved from researching artificial intelligence at Naver to Hyundai Motor Company. It was acquired by Hyundai Motor Group last month.

Autonomous shuttle bus aDRT developed by FortyTwoDot

PBVs refer to vehicles developed to provide various forms, functions, and services according to user purposes. It is a structure similar to placing various superstructures on top of a skateboard as needed. It is based on a platform module with fixed wheels, motors, and batteries, and the part that can be called the vehicle body can be changed or custom-produced like assembling Lego blocks according to user needs.

The first purpose-built shuttle introduced this time is an 8-seater vehicle. Excluding safety personnel, it can carry up to 7 passengers. It was produced over 13 months and went through certifications such as temporary autonomous driving operation permits and safety performance verification. Instead of LiDAR, which recognizes objects with lasers, it is equipped with 12 cameras and 6 radars necessary for autonomous driving. Side mirrors were also removed and a high-resolution digital camera-based CMS was applied.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Interior view of the purpose-built autonomous shuttle bus developed by FortyTwoDot

Additionally, pressure sensors and optical sensors that detect objects on the vehicle doors were installed to prevent entrapment accidents. Infotainment services are being prepared. The company collaborated with Hyundai Motor Company when designing the shuttle. The vehicle body was lowered and the height increased to allow passengers to get on and off comfortably. The roof features a panoramic sunroof. The windows are positioned around the passengers’ waist level.

The company has focused on software development such as autonomous driving algorithms. With the acquisition by Hyundai Motor Group, the company expects to internalize hardware development and supply chains. They plan to expand business areas including public transportation, delivery, and logistics with the customized PBV. If PBVs develop further, it is expected that mobile restaurants beyond food trucks and new forms of living spaces will also become possible.

Song Chang-hyun, CEO of FortytwoDot, said, "Through PBV-based mobility solutions, we will secure references not only in transportation but also in logistics, and strive to build a global software center that consolidates capabilities."