Autonomous driving technology has already begun to take shape in our daily lives. Autonomous driving refers to a technology that enables vehicles and other mobility devices to drive on their own by utilizing sensor data and AI. Not only traditional automakers but also ICT companies are actively developing and competing in this field. Once autonomous driving becomes fully commercialized, it is expected to transform society in ways that are fundamentally different from today—reshaping logistics and delivery industries that currently depend heavily on human labor, and expanding in-vehicle infotainment technologies (vehicle information and entertainment systems). The autonomous driving market is projected to grow rapidly, with the market size expected to expand from USD 7.1 billion (approx. 9.5 trillion KRW) in 2020 to USD 1 trillion (approx. 1,330 trillion KRW) by 2035, representing an annual compound growth rate of 41%.
[Fig] Differences Between Human Driving Principles and Autonomous Vehicle Driving Principles
Achieving Level 3 autonomous driving is the first milestone toward an autonomous driving society. Autonomous vehicles are categorized into six levels depending on the degree of automation and whether driver intervention is required. Level 3 and above refers to partial or full autonomous driving where the driver is only required to intervene in emergencies. Level 4 requires no driver intervention even in emergency situations, while Level 5 requires no driver at all. In particular, once Level 3 autonomy is implemented, legal responsibility begins to shift toward the automaker because autonomous functions are actively controlling the vehicle.
[Fig] Definitions and Overview of Autonomous Driving Levels
Among automakers, Mercedes-Benz is currently leading the field. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to obtain international certification for achieving Level 3 autonomous driving. With this technological capability, Mercedes-Benz is expected to become the first company to sell mass-produced Level 3 vehicles in the United States. It plans to apply the technology to models such as the S-Class, AMG S-Class, Maybach S-Class, and EQS. Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company is also actively developing autonomous driving technology and is currently developing a Level 3 system known as HDP (Highway Driving Pilot). Hyundai is investing 4.3 trillion KRW into this effort and is also conducting demonstration tests for Level 4 technology.
[Fig] Autonomous Vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai Motor Company
Korean companies are also actively participating in the autonomous driving market. AIDAS Co., Ltd. (CEO: Jaeseok Oh) successfully raised seed funding (amount undisclosed) after being recognized for its autonomous driving solution technology. AIDAS’s solution, eADV (expandable Autonomous Driving Vehicle), is designed for easy integration into commercial vehicles. Based on its technological capabilities, the company signed a mass-production development contract with an OEM, achieved commercial revenue, and built a strong network of value-chain partners. With this investment, AIDAS plans to accelerate the commercialization and advancement of eADV and contribute to the transformation toward smart ports.
[Fig] Autonomous Driving Example and eADV Example by AIDAS Co., Ltd.
Korean robotics company Twinny Co., Ltd. (CEOs: Hongseok Cheon and Youngseok Cheon) is actively developing autonomous driving technology for logistics robots. Twinny’s autonomous logistics robot “Nargo” is designed to automate material transport tasks typically performed by humans, making it highly suitable for on-site industrial automation. Recently, the company developed its own route guidance device that enables autonomous navigation even in complex environments, strengthening its technology for industrial sites with many obstacles. In addition, SWM Co., Ltd. (CEO: Gihyeok Kim) is enhancing its capabilities by developing technology that applies mutual control algorithms to improve driving simulation performance in virtual environments.
[Fig] Twinny Co., Ltd.’s Autonomous Logistics Robot and SWM Co., Ltd.’s Autonomous Driving Solution
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “the autonomous driving market is expected to experience dramatic growth, and these technological changes will create diverse opportunities for commercialization, M&A, and partnerships across the automaker value chain.” The Center added that “securing IP rights related to autonomous driving technology is expected to be a strong strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#AutonomousDriving #AutonomousVehicle #LogisticsRobot #AGV #AIDAS #Twinny #SWM
Autonomous driving technology has already begun to take shape in our daily lives. Autonomous driving refers to a technology that enables vehicles and other mobility devices to drive on their own by utilizing sensor data and AI. Not only traditional automakers but also ICT companies are actively developing and competing in this field. Once autonomous driving becomes fully commercialized, it is expected to transform society in ways that are fundamentally different from today—reshaping logistics and delivery industries that currently depend heavily on human labor, and expanding in-vehicle infotainment technologies (vehicle information and entertainment systems). The autonomous driving market is projected to grow rapidly, with the market size expected to expand from USD 7.1 billion (approx. 9.5 trillion KRW) in 2020 to USD 1 trillion (approx. 1,330 trillion KRW) by 2035, representing an annual compound growth rate of 41%.
[Fig] Differences Between Human Driving Principles and Autonomous Vehicle Driving Principles
Achieving Level 3 autonomous driving is the first milestone toward an autonomous driving society. Autonomous vehicles are categorized into six levels depending on the degree of automation and whether driver intervention is required. Level 3 and above refers to partial or full autonomous driving where the driver is only required to intervene in emergencies. Level 4 requires no driver intervention even in emergency situations, while Level 5 requires no driver at all. In particular, once Level 3 autonomy is implemented, legal responsibility begins to shift toward the automaker because autonomous functions are actively controlling the vehicle.
[Fig] Definitions and Overview of Autonomous Driving Levels
Among automakers, Mercedes-Benz is currently leading the field. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to obtain international certification for achieving Level 3 autonomous driving. With this technological capability, Mercedes-Benz is expected to become the first company to sell mass-produced Level 3 vehicles in the United States. It plans to apply the technology to models such as the S-Class, AMG S-Class, Maybach S-Class, and EQS. Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company is also actively developing autonomous driving technology and is currently developing a Level 3 system known as HDP (Highway Driving Pilot). Hyundai is investing 4.3 trillion KRW into this effort and is also conducting demonstration tests for Level 4 technology.
[Fig] Autonomous Vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai Motor Company
Korean companies are also actively participating in the autonomous driving market. AIDAS Co., Ltd. (CEO: Jaeseok Oh) successfully raised seed funding (amount undisclosed) after being recognized for its autonomous driving solution technology. AIDAS’s solution, eADV (expandable Autonomous Driving Vehicle), is designed for easy integration into commercial vehicles. Based on its technological capabilities, the company signed a mass-production development contract with an OEM, achieved commercial revenue, and built a strong network of value-chain partners. With this investment, AIDAS plans to accelerate the commercialization and advancement of eADV and contribute to the transformation toward smart ports.
[Fig] Autonomous Driving Example and eADV Example by AIDAS Co., Ltd.
Korean robotics company Twinny Co., Ltd. (CEOs: Hongseok Cheon and Youngseok Cheon) is actively developing autonomous driving technology for logistics robots. Twinny’s autonomous logistics robot “Nargo” is designed to automate material transport tasks typically performed by humans, making it highly suitable for on-site industrial automation. Recently, the company developed its own route guidance device that enables autonomous navigation even in complex environments, strengthening its technology for industrial sites with many obstacles. In addition, SWM Co., Ltd. (CEO: Gihyeok Kim) is enhancing its capabilities by developing technology that applies mutual control algorithms to improve driving simulation performance in virtual environments.
[Fig] Twinny Co., Ltd.’s Autonomous Logistics Robot and SWM Co., Ltd.’s Autonomous Driving Solution
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “the autonomous driving market is expected to experience dramatic growth, and these technological changes will create diverse opportunities for commercialization, M&A, and partnerships across the automaker value chain.” The Center added that “securing IP rights related to autonomous driving technology is expected to be a strong strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#AutonomousDriving #AutonomousVehicle #LogisticsRobot #AGV #AIDAS #Twinny #SWM