Korea Automobile Research Institute Strengthens Research in AI, Autonomous Driving, and Carbon Neutrality

Leap Toward Becoming a Comprehensive Research Platform
for Future Mobility

The Korea Automobile Research Institute announced on August 5 that it has carried out an organizational restructuring to advance mobility technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving technology, and carbon neutrality technology.

The restructuring plan was established through three months of discussions by an internal Vision Task Force composed of staff members, following the appointment of President Jin Jonguk in February. The plan aims to strengthen the research organization to secure expertise in new mobility technologies and to integrate and streamline administrative tasks such as goal and performance management.

The previous structure of five research institutes, two divisions, fifteen departments, fifty-seven (research labs), twenty offices, six teams, one unit, and four regional headquarters has been reorganized into a more flexible and streamlined structure consisting of one management headquarters, three research institutes, fourteen divisions, thirty-five centers, eighteen offices, four teams, one unit, and four regional branches.

The AI and Autonomous Driving Technology Research Institute integrates connected technology and AI-based platform technology fields and is composed of four divisions: Big Data and SDV Research Division, Intelligent Control and Safety Research Division, Connectivity and Security Research Division, and Platform Research Division.

The Carbon Neutrality Technology Research Institute expands on the previous “Eco-friendly Technology Research Institute” by adding lightweight and eco-friendly material technology fields, and is organized into four divisions: Power Control Research Division, Electric Power Research Division, Hydrogen Power Research Division, and Materials Research Division.

The independent divisions will operate as a system of three divisions: Reliability Research Division, Testing and Certification Research Division, and Electromagnetic Environment Research Division. The regional branches will continue to operate as four branches in Daegyeong, Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Gyeonggi.

In addition, the functions of policy and corporate support will be integrated into two divisions: the Industrial Policy Division and the Corporate Growth Division, while the Management Strategy Division will be operated separately. Furthermore, a new “Management Headquarters” has been established to oversee both the industrial research institute and overall management.

President Jin Jonguk stated, “We will focus our capabilities on securing leadership in advanced future mobility technologies such as AI, autonomous driving, and carbon neutrality, so that the institute and our industry can build a sustainable foundation for growth.”