With the commercialization of autonomous driving technology approaching, the importance of testing systems capable of objectively verifying safety and performance is growing. In this context, a domestic research institution has established an accredited testing infrastructure for low-speed autonomous vehicles. This is significant as it represents the institutional establishment of a verification environment for autonomous driving services operating in limited areas, such as shuttle buses and urban transportation.

The Korea Automotive Research Institute (hereinafter KAERI) announced on the 16th that its Cooperative Driving Automation Research Center has been designated as an accredited testing institution in the field of low-speed autonomous driving system testing after receiving approval from the Korea Accreditation Organization (KOLAS) to expand its scope of accreditation based on the international standard KS X ISO 22737.

ISO 22737 is an international standard for evaluating the performance of low-speed autonomous vehicles operating in designated areas such as parks, university campuses, and industrial complexes. It specifies minimum safety requirements, including collision avoidance, pathkeeping, and emergency stopping functions, for vehicles operating at speeds of 32 km/h or less.

Hanjayeon has established a test environment that reflects actual road conditions, going beyond existing indoor simulation-centered evaluations. By applying various driving scenarios to the test, including situations involving vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians and cyclists, it was possible to verify the perception, judgment, and control processes of the autonomous driving system in a manner close to actual driving conditions.

The designation of this accredited testing institution is also significant in that it lays the foundation for domestic autonomous driving companies to secure internationally recognized test results. KOLAS-accredited test reports issued by KOLAS are recognized as valid in approximately 100 member countries under the Mutual Recognition Agreement of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). From a company's perspective, this allows for a reduction in certification costs and time, as they do not need to repeat separate testing procedures overseas.

Based on the testing system established through support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s Autonomous Driving Technology Development Innovation Project, the Korea Institute of Autonomous Testing plans to provide accredited testing services starting in the second quarter of this year. The institute is also considering expanding the scope of accreditation to include high-speed autonomous vehicles and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communication linkage testing in the future.