"Autonomous Vehicle Daedongyeojido Launched"... 3D Precision Map Sandbox Approved

KCCI-Ministry of Science and ICT 'Sandbox Review Committee' Meeting on 26th
Autonomous Vehicle '3D Precision Map'... Route, Road Conditions, Weather Analysis
Aircraft Maintenance Training Using Augmented Reality (VR)
AI Pet Identity Verification Service... Register Pets by Taking 'Daengdaengi Photos' with Smartphone

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The "3D high-precision map for autonomous driving," dubbed the modern-day Daedongyeojido, is set to be launched in the market. AI pet identity verification services that enable pet registration using only a smartphone, as well as augmented reality-based aircraft maintenance training without the need for billion-won aircraft, have also become possible.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Sandbox Support Center and the Ministry of Science and ICT held the "ICT Sandbox Deliberation Committee" on the 26th at the Mobiltech Research Institute in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, and announced the approval of three projects: ▲3D high-precision maps for autonomous mobility ▲augmented reality-based aircraft maintenance training ▲AI pet identity verification service.

◆Modern-day Daedongyeojido: Autonomous Vehicles Drive Safely with ‘3D High-Precision Maps’

The "3D high-precision map" by Mobiltech, which received the demonstration exemption approval that day, is a core technology for autonomous driving. The high-precision map is 3D spatial information created to enable autonomous vehicles to identify their location and recognize road and traffic environments. It includes all road information such as road routes, lanes, stop lines, central dividers, road facilities like tunnels and bridges, and traffic safety signs.

Mobiltech collects spatial information using LiDAR sensors (technology that measures terrain with lasers) and mobile mapping systems (technology for acquiring 3D spatial information) equipment to produce high-resolution 3D high-precision maps. Then, using AI cloud technology, it updates the maps in real time whenever the road environment changes. Autonomous robots drive on roads based on these high-precision maps. It is a kind of advanced navigation concept.

Under the current National Spatial Information Security Management Regulations, spatial information containing 3D coordinates is restricted from public disclosure, making distribution or sale of 3D high-precision maps impossible. The Deliberation Committee approved the demonstration exemption, stating that proactive permission is necessary even before the law is enforced to advance the autonomous driving industry. Mobiltech will conduct demonstration tests around the Sangam Culture Plaza area in Seoul in collaboration with Unmanned Solution, a manufacturer of autonomous robots.

As of last year, the global spatial information market size reached approximately 81 trillion KRW. Not only startups but also global companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon, and Uber have entered the high-precision map production market. Mobiltech is the first to launch domestically.

Augmented reality-based aircraft maintenance training (applicant: Augmented Intelligence) was also approved. Augmented Intelligence produces AR-based aircraft training content and sells it to professional training institutions, which then train maintenance personnel using augmented reality technology without actual aircraft.

Aircraft Maintenance Training with Augmented Reality (AR)... AI Enables Pet Registration

Augmented reality-based aircraft maintenance training (applicant: Augmented Intelligence) was also approved. Under the current Aviation Safety Act Enforcement Rules, aircraft maintenance training requires three actual aircraft.

Jo Geun-sik, CEO of Augmented Intelligence, said, "Since the currently operating B737 costs over 100 billion KRW, training sites often purchase and use decommissioned old aircraft for training and maintenance practice due to cost reasons, creating a significant gap between training and industry reality. By using digital twin content of the B737 through extended reality XR (VR/AR/MR), unlimited learning of parts disassembly and assembly on the latest aircraft in operation is possible without the burden of purchasing aircraft," he explained.

The AI facial recognition-based pet identity verification service (applicant: BlockPet) also passed the sandbox. By photographing a pet’s face with a smartphone, AI recognizes distinctive features and identifies the pet’s identity, enabling registration. If a pet is lost, uploading a facial photo to the application allows the owner’s and pet’s information to be known within one minute.

Under the current Animal Protection Act, pet registration is mandatory, but only registration methods using embedded or external wireless identification devices are allowed. Embedded devices require visiting a veterinary hospital to implant a chip inside the pet, and external devices are detachable, posing a high risk of loss, resulting in low usage. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the pet registration rate was only 35% as of 2019.

The KCCI Sandbox Support Center is the first private sandbox organization in Korea. It supports all industries including ICT convergence, industrial convergence, and financial innovation sandboxes. Since its launch in May last year, 75 innovative products and services have received sandbox exemptions.

Companies unable to commercialize due to lack of laws or outdated regulations (Loophole) can receive free consultations at the KCCI Sandbox (Sandbox.korcham.net).

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