Kakao Mobility said on Nov. 9 it will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nvidia on cooperation in level 4 autonomous driving technology. The two companies plan to integrate Nvidia’s computing, sensing and safety technologies with Kakao Mobility’s in-house autonomous driving software and install it in Kia’s PBV.

Kakao Mobility also plans to adopt an autonomous driving computing unit (ADCU) equipped with two Nvidia Drive AGX Thor systems. It plans to optimise sensor and hardware connections using Nvidia’s Hyperion reference architecture to ensure compatibility among vehicles, sensors and the ADCU. Nvidia’s integrated safety system, Halos, which prevents system abnormalities, will be applied to autonomous driving software development and verification.

Based on this, the companies plan to implement a level 4 system that meets global standards, supported by Nvidia’s supply of high-performance computing infrastructure and optimisation technology assistance. The companies also agreed to bring forward a safe and scalable level 4 era in the South Korean market while also considering mid- to long-term global expansion.

Kakao Mobility CEO Keung-sun Ryu (류긍선) said, "Based on three pillars - our in-house autonomous driving technology, a mobility platform, and a technology cooperation ecosystem - Kakao Mobility has internalised level 4 technology and built alliances with leading companies in Korea and abroad." He said, "Through this cooperation with Nvidia, we will not only accelerate the advancement of E2E autonomous driving but also prepare for the era of level 4 commercialisation as a focal point of a global technology ecosystem connecting software, components and finished vehicles."

Nvidia Vice President of Automotive Rishi Dhall (리시 달) said, "Kakao Mobility is pursuing commercialisation by applying its in-house autonomous driving technology to real mobility services." He added, "Nvidia Hyperion provides the sensor and computing technology foundation required to implement level 4 autonomous driving, and Nvidia Halos supports a comprehensive safety framework across the entire process, from technology development to application in real services. Through cooperation between the two companies, we hope to accelerate the development of safe and scalable autonomous driving services in South Korea."