Kakao Mobility and Nvidia team up on level 4 autonomy

Kakao Mobility has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nvidia to build a level 4 autonomous driving system, pairing its in-house driving AI with Nvidia computing, sensor architecture and safety software. Integration will start on Kia purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) under a July 2026 deal to develop PBVs for autonomous services.

The firm’s end-to-end model links perception through to decision-making, building on tests on urban roads in Gangnam, Seoul. Its new autonomous driving computing unit will carry two Nvidia Drive AGX Thor platforms for real-time AI processing.

Nvidia’s Hyperion reference architecture should keep vehicle, sensors and computer compatible at level 4, while Halos will cover software development and validation. The driving software stays Kakao Mobility’s own, with Nvidia supplying hardware and tuning support.

Korea comes first, with overseas markets a medium to long-term option. In a statement, Ryu Kung-sun, Chief Executive of Kakao Mobility, said: “Kakao Mobility has brought level 4 technology in-house on three pillars, our own autonomous driving technology, our mobility platform and a technology partnership ecosystem, and has built alliances with leading companies in Korea and overseas. Through this collaboration with Nvidia, we will speed up the advancement of end-to-end autonomous driving and prepare for the era of level 4 commercialisation as the hub of a global technology ecosystem linking software, components and vehicle makers.”

Source: Kakao Mobility