The world’s leading automakers are adopting technologies developed by Korean startups. In particular, major German automakers Benz and BMW are active in using them.
PiQuant is a Korean company that develops spectroscopy-based component detection and measurement devices and solutions, and has developed a technology to measure blood alcohol concentration using only finger contact. The company is conducting a proof of concept (PoC) with Benz. PiQuant’s technology can be used to prevent drunk driving by preventing a car from starting or switching to autonomous driving mode when a drunken driver presses the ignition button with a finger.
In collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Korea, JD Solution has developed an independent sound zone module for vehicles. An independent sound zone is a technology that transmits specific sounds such as navigation instructions and music to seats. JD Solution has directional acoustic technology that moves the directions of sound into one place and sends clean sound farther.
BMW has introduced Seoul Robotics’ solution for infrastructure-based autonomous driving at its Dingolfing Plant in Munich, Germany. Infrastructure-based autonomous driving transforms non-driving vehicles into autonomous vehicles by installing sensors such as LiDAR and cameras on poles and ceilings, instead of on vehicles. Dingolfing Plant is BMW’s largest factory in Germany.
Epikar, the developer of a Dealer Management Solution (DMS) for automotive dealers, provides solutions to BMW Korea and seven of BMW’s authorized dealers in Korea. Its DMS is divided into two main categories -- BMW Test Drive Solution which automates test drive processes at dealerships, and the Intelligent Workshop System, which manages real-time vehicle arrivals and departures.