▲Expansion of the Sangam autonomous vehicle pilot operation area.

As part of the 5G intelligent transportation system 'C-ITS' demonstration project.
Implementation of a digital twin 3D integrated control system, etc.

SK Telecom is expanding its autonomous vehicle pilot operation zone in Seoul and launching full-scale 5G-based autonomous driving demonstrations.

SK Telecom announced on the 27th that it has expanded the autonomous vehicle pilot operation area in Sangam, Seoul as part of a demonstration project for the 5G-based intelligent transportation system 'C-ITS (Cooperative-Intelligent Transport Systems)'.

The roads in Sangam where autonomous vehicles can operate have been expanded from existing commercial and residential areas to include the World Cup Stadium, Nanji Hangang Park, and Sky Park. On the expanded roads, road markings and guide signs will be installed to indicate areas where autonomous vehicles can operate.

SKT said that it will introduce advanced C-ITS technology that will enhance the safety of autonomous vehicles based on various ICT technologies, including this project.

△The Sangam autonomous driving pilot operation area was implemented in 3D using digital twin technology. △This was linked to the autonomous driving control system at the 'Seoul Future Mobility Center.' △It was built to enable integrated control of information such as multiple vehicles, signal information, and hazard alerts.

△Infrastructure will be expanded to cover a total of 24 roads in the Sangam area, totaling 32.3 km, including traffic signal controllers, illegal parking cameras, and child protection zone detection cameras. △Based on this, services that help ensure safe driving will also be provided, such as child protection zone entry and pedestrian notifications, and provision of CCTV footage in case of an emergency.

In addition, for the self-driving car paid transportation service operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government since November of last year, support has been provided, including △provision of dedicated garages and parking spaces for self-driving cars and △installation of real-time location information display boards at self-driving car stops.

SKT said, "We expect this expansion of the autonomous vehicle pilot operation area to serve as an opportunity for full-scale demonstration of 5G-based autonomous driving."

Meanwhile, SKT has been leading the Seoul Metropolitan Government's 'C-ITS Demonstration Project' since 2019. Last year, we completed the following projects: △ Installing 5G sensors and IoT on major roads in the city, △ Equipping 5G ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) on city buses and taxis, △ Providing V2X T map service with signal information at major intersections, and △ Creating an autonomous driving test bed.

Shin Yong-sik, head of SKT Connect Infrastructure CO, said, "We hope that this expansion of the pilot operation area will serve as an opportunity to advance 5G-based C-ITS services to the next level," and added, "We will continue to lead the era of autonomous driving through the world's best 5G technology."