On November 4, 2015, Seoul National University (SNU) Vehicle Intelligence Laboratory demonstrated SNUver, the first automated taxi service in Korea. Led by Professor SEO SeungWoo (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering), the trial performance took place along a 4km route of the circulation beltway within Gwanak campus.

The name"SNUver" was coined by compounding"SNU" and"Driver" The core mechanism behind SNUver is a high precision 3D mapping technology that allows the car to become aware of its surroundings and predict the pathways of other nearby vehicles. Cameras and sensors installed all over the car calculate the location of any obstacles within 50-80 meters front and back, so that SNUver can avoid collisions. In addition, it can change lanes or overtake other vehicles by checking the adjacent lane. With the exception of unusual emergency situations where a pedestrian abruptly runs into the car, SNUver aptly operates its steering wheel, accelerator and brake.

During the trial performance, the SNUver taxi arrived in less than five minutes after the"Request a Ride" button was pressed on the mobile app. When students from the SNU Vehicle Intelligence Laboratory pressed the departure button after getting in the car, SNUver began driving itself along the previously designated route from the Institute of New Media and Communications to the Administration building.

Although the circulation beltway in the campus was a four-lane road with many curves, SNUver showcased fairly smooth driving techniques that were not much different from cars with human drivers. SNUver kept its speed under 30km/h, the limit inside the campus, and followed all traffic rules. When it encountered any obstacles, such as the school shuttle bus heading towards its direction, SNUver stopped temporarily to alter its path. On the backside of the driver's seat, a monitor screen displayed information of obstacles identified by camera sensors. The locations of other vehicles, pedestrians or bicycles that happened to come near SNUver were marked with a green box on the screen. After reaching the Administration Building and the requested ride was completed, the automated taxi moved off to its next destination.

SNUver's trial performance was very successful, as the automated taxi completed its designated route without any accidents. However, the actual commercialization of the service will need several more years of preparation. Professor Seo, Director of the SNU Vehicle Intelligence Laboratory, expressed that"limited commercialization may be possible by 2020." He added that "the artificial intelligence necessary for a completely automated driving service would be developed around 2035."

• SNU Vehicle Intelligence Laboratory (Director Professor SEO SeungWoo): http://vi.snu.ac.kr/xe/
• SNU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: http://ee.snu.ac.kr/en

Written by YOON Jiwon, SNU English Editor, jiwonyoon@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr