Aju Business Daily

SEOUL -- HERE Technologies, a map platform company based in Amsterdam, and SK Telecom joined hands with SsangYong Motor, a minor South Korean carmaker controlled by India's Mahindra & Mahindra, to develop a platform for high-quality maps for autonomous driving.

SsangYong said Wednesday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with HERE and SK Telecom (SKT) on the development of high-quality maps, which are crucial to location and mobility platforms. SKT is a key player in establishing 5G mobile networks.  

SsangYong is responsible for the development of in-vehicle systems while SKT will develop real-time communication technology and module software. HERE will lead the development of high-precision maps and related software.

SsangYong and the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH) have been involved in the development of a level 3 self-driving system which provides self-driving features such as lane keeping assistant and highway driving assistant. Level 4 and 5 require intervention by a driver just in case of an emergent situation.

HERE has forged a partnership with Naver Labs, the artificial intelligence wing of South Korea's top web portal, to create indoor maps. Naver has showcased AROUND G, a platform which can be applied to autonomous guide robots, and a hybrid HD map that allows autonomous vehicles to more precisely track their position.