Mando Signs Business Agreement with Seoul Robotics to Commercialize 'Autonomous Driving 3D LiDAR'

Kang Hyung-jin, Head of Mando ADAS BU R&D Center (left), and Lee Han-bin, CEO of Seoul Robotics, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing an MOU at the Mando R&D Center in Pangyo, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do.

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Mando is partnering with autonomous driving software startup Seoul Robotics to commercialize 3D LiDAR.

On the 9th, Mando announced that it recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Seoul Robotics at the Mando Research and Development (R&D) Center in Pangyo, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi Province, to commercialize autonomous driving 3D LiDAR. Seoul Robotics, which signed the MOU with Mando, is a LiDAR-based autonomous driving software specialist startup founded in 2017. It currently collaborates with global leaders in the 3D LiDAR sensor industry such as Velodyne, as well as world-renowned automakers including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Through this agreement, the two companies will actively begin developing LiDAR and 4D image radar, which are core technologies for autonomous driving. LiDAR is an advanced optical device that scans objects with laser pulses to recognize precise three-dimensional spatial information, while 4D image radar is a cutting-edge recognition sensor that simultaneously detects objects and environments in four dimensions: distance, height, depth, and speed. LiDAR and 4D image radar serve as essential safety devices for autonomous driving levels 3 and 4, and ultimately for full autonomous driving.

Furthermore, they plan to promote the localization and commercialization of LiDAR and image radar in the future. The company explained that combining Seoul Robotics’ artificial intelligence (AI) recognition software technology with the LiDAR and radar developed by Mando will enable the acquisition of advanced sensor solutions for autonomous driving. Seoul Robotics’ 3D computer vision technology will quickly analyze the vast recognition data collected from Mando’s LiDAR and radar to identify people, vehicles, and more.

Kang Hyung-jin, head of the Mando Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Business Unit (ADAS BU) R&D Center, said, “Seoul Robotics possesses 3D data processing capabilities and AI recognition technology that cannot be identified by cameras (2D). We hope this collaboration between the two companies will expand as a competitive new business pillar not only in the Korean 3D smart sensor market but also in the global market.”

Lee Han-bin, CEO of Seoul Robotics, expressed his aspirations, saying, “Mando is an excellent partner that has quickly established itself in the autonomous driving radar market. The combination of Seoul Robotics’ software technology and Mando’s abundant R&D experience will jointly lead the global LiDAR market and the 4D image data market.”

Mando LiDAR, 4D Image Radar Equipped Layout Concept

[Photo by Halla Group]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.