SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Kia has become the first South Korean automaker to successfully demonstrate remote driving on public roads.
Remote driving allows a vehicle without a driver to be operated from a control center via 4G and 5G mobile networks. Considered a near-term solution compared with fully autonomous systems, the technology can intervene when self-driving functions fail and is drawing growing interest for applications in car-sharing, logistics and mobility support in underserved areas.
Kia received a regulatory sandbox exemption from the transport ministry in April, clearing the way for pilot operations. It then formed a team with Socar, SUM and KT to conduct demonstrations in Jeju and Hwaseong.
Under the partnership, Kia led the overall project; Socar provided its car-sharing platform; SUM developed remote driving solutions and operated test vehicles; and KT supplied network infrastructure. The consortium built a remote-operation system for Kia’s PV5 purpose-built vehicle, with reinforced communications and safety controls.
Following initial internal testing, the group conducted a one-month road trial in Jeju. The PV5 vehicles logged roughly 70 hours of remote operation and about 1,000 kilometers on routes including Jeju Airport–Socar Terminal and Jeju Airport–Yongduam.
Data gathered from the Jeju trial will be used to further refine the technology, with additional tests planned in collaboration with local governments.
“Remote driving technology can improve convenience for citizens in areas with limited public infrastructure and can be expanded to various industries such as car-sharing and logistics,” a Kia official said.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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