Hyundai’s 42dot, Samsung to develop AI-powered SDV platform

LAS VEGAS – Hyundai Motor Group’s self-driving technology unit 42dot Inc. will develop an artificial intelligence-powered software-defined vehicle (SDV) platform with Samsung Electronics Co.'s automotive chips, deepening the two South Korean giants' ties in the future mobility sector.

42dot and Samsung Electronics’ System LSI agreed during CES 2024 in Las Vegas on Tuesday to join hands to develop an AI-supported SDV platform with automotive chips like system-on-chips (SoC).

Their new partnership underscores their reinforced relationships in future mobility technology amid intensifying competition to lead the related market that requires both strong hardware and software advances.

In June last year, Samsung Electronics agreed to supply its new automotive chips, dubbed Exynos Auto V920, to Hyundai Motor for the latter’s in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system. It was the two Korean conglomerates’ first collaboration in IVI development.

Samsung Electronics will also connect its smart home devices with the IVI systems of Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp.'s cars.

SDV AT CENTER STAGE IN FUTURE MOBILITY TECH

SDVs, often described as smartphones on wheels, enable constant and seamless upgrades of a car’s functions through an over-the-air system throughout the car’s lifetime.

As the automotive industry’s rivalry to win the market with hardware advances is nearly reaching its limit, it has turned its focus to software upgrades like IVI systems and self-driving technology.

SDV platforms, enabling connectivity, automation, personalization, and constant optimization, are garnering a lot of attention these days.  

42dot, Hyundai Motor’s autonomous driving technology unit, develops SDV operating systems, and machine learning is important in SDV software.

The company plans to introduce a new AI-powered SDV platform with Samsung Exynos Auto chips by 2025.

The Exynos Auto chip processor is powered by up-to-date automotive central processing units (CPU) and graphics processing units (GPU), allowing drivers to receive real-time traffic and driving information and enjoy high-definition map and video streaming services.

As software becomes increasingly crucial in the future mobility sector, Korea’s No. 1 carmaker and chipmaker are expected to further enhance their partnerships in the future mobility sector.

To lead future mobility with connected and personalized services in the SDV era, Hyundai Motor Group is seeking to integrate its software development divisions ranging from electronics to infotainment and automotive driving technology under the wings of 42dot, The Korea Economic Daily exclusively reported in December last year.  

42dot, the startup-turned-Hyundai Motor unit, will play a key role in the Korean auto giant’s automotive software development. In 2022, Hyundai Motor Group took over 42dot.

The company has joined CES exhibitions this year for the first time.

Write to Nan-Sae Bin at binthere@hankyung.com


Sookyung Seo edited this article.