Autonomous a2z

For a world in perpetual motion, self-driving technology unravels new opportunities in the transportation space. This is where Autonomous a2z distinguishes itself with a unique approach to self-driving technology. More than just a participant, the company pioneers a shift in the industry, focusing on shuttle buses and utilizing innovative technology to stand out from the competition. While others focus on self-driving taxis, Autonomous a2z’s gaze is fixed on the future of transport – shuttle buses.

“We acknowledge that shuttle buses, operating on designated routes with limited speeds, offer a safer and more controlled environment conducive to autonomous driving,” says Jihyeong Han, CEO. “Our emphasis lies on the feasibility of the technology over just completing its development; we engage in business beyond technology development.”

With a capped maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour, which is well-suited for public road conditions, the shuttle bus concept allows for a more predictable and manageable autonomous service.

Light Software and LiDAR Infrastructure

Unlike companies using resource-intensive point cloud maps, Autonomous a2z employs a more efficient strategy by utilizing a vector map, significantly reducing the demand for computing power and energy consumption. This approach not only minimizes the reliance on powerful sensors but also results in a more cost-effective solution.

The lighter software is particularly crucial in the autonomous industry due to the inherent limitations of vehicle capacity. Installing larger batteries and industrial supercomputers within the vehicle is constrained by these capacity limits. Even if these components were squeezed into the vehicle, it wouldn’t be viable for auto manufacturers to establish reasonable pricing, as the cost of manufacturing such vehicles becomes prohibitively high. Therefore, the emphasis on a lighter software solution becomes paramount, ensuring that autonomous technology remains economically feasible within the constraints of vehicle capacity and market affordability.

Besides, the reduced speeds of shuttle buses, coupled with a shorter sensor detection range (500 meters to one kilometer), further contribute to a safer and more economical autonomous solution.

Secondly, the company’s innovative approach to autonomous vehicles indeed involves deploying LiDAR technology on infrastructure like streetlamps.

Rather than placing something on every streetlamp, the company utilizes a comprehensive LiDAR infrastructure system. This system consists of a LiDAR sensor for measuring vehicle object detection data, object location, and speed detection. By strategically installing one LiDAR infrastructure system (LIS) at intersections, school zones and traffic congestion areas, the system recognizes dynamic and static objects in a 360-degree direction, providing real-time coverage of all direction at the intersection within a range of up to 200 meters. This technology, coupled with precise map convergence, enables the recognition of various data, including object recognition, traffic light prediction, law violation vehicles, pedestrian recognition, traffic conditions, intersection safety, weather information, and emergency situations. It is a sophisticated and effective approach to providing next-generation transportation services.

Gaining Market Traction with Proven Results

As a leading Korean self-driving company, Autonomous a2z has not only demonstrated the effectiveness of its autonomous software covering approximately 400,000 kilometers across 14 different operational sites since 2018, but it has also highlighted the safety of its technology. Its approach, utilizing light software and a vector-based HD map, allows it to operate without location limitations, requiring only a designated area and a short setup time.

With a disengagement level as low as 1.3 times per 100 kilometers, its software surpasses level four autonomy standards. Unlike retrofitted cars, the shuttle bus platform allows Autonomous a2z to integrate redundancy measures, which is crucial for true autonomous service. It is developing shuttle bus platform to enhance capabilities further and expand internationally.

World’s First Self-Driving Bus Service

As a pioneer in self-driving services, Autonomous a2z has achieved significant milestones, including the launch of the world’s first self-driving bus service in the Seoul, South Korea in early 2022. Serving over 2,000 passengers, the public transit system has garnered praise from the city government due to its impressive safety record with very low disengagement levels.

Autonomous a2z has significantly broadened its services, showcasing its versatility in various transportation sectors. For over a year and a half, the company has successfully operated self-driving taxis in collaboration with a major ride hailing company. Concurrently, it has introduced a fleet of self-driving shuttle buses specifically designed for efficient airport transportation, seamlessly connecting parking lots to terminals. Beyond civilian applications, Autonomous a2z has extended its reach into law enforcement by implementing self-driving patrol cars, serving both the Korean military and police departments. This strategic combination of self-driving taxis, shuttle buses, and patrol cars highlights the company’s comprehensive and impactful presence across diverse facets of the transportation industry.

Notably, the self-driving patrol cars equipped with LiDAR, radar, and cameras are used for sea patrols, providing a unique solution for monitoring coastal areas. It has also optimized airport transportation, offering a cost-effective shuttle service over a 20 – 30-kilometer straight road, reducing workforce requirements.

The diverse range of successful cases demonstrates the adaptability and reliability of self-driving technology across various sectors, receiving positive feedback from central and local governments in South Korea. Its distinct blend of innovative software and hardware solutions has positioned it as a leader in the Korean autonomous vehicle market.

With a focus on international expansion, Autonomous a2z invites potential partners to explore opportunities in its groundbreaking solutions for the autonomous transportation sector.