NAVER D2SF Backs whereable.ai in the Quest for AI Autonomous Driving Solutions

NAVER D2SF Invests in Revolutionary Autonomous Driving Startup

NAVER D2SF, the corporate venture arm of South Korea's leading tech company NAVER, has made significant strides in the autonomous driving sector by investing in the AI-powered startup, whereable.ai. This startup aims to develop groundbreaking autonomous driving technology that can operate efficiently in various environments without the need for extensive infrastructure.

Taking the Lead in Autonomous Technology

Founded by the visionaries behind ThorDrive, whereable.ai is positioned to disrupt the autonomous driving landscape. As Tesla and Waymo dominate the market, whereable.ai differentiates itself by emphasizing a unique approach: its self-supervised learning model. This innovative framework enhances the capability of autonomous vehicles to recognize real-time road conditions and adjust to environmental changes automatically, ensuring safe and responsive driving.

In a world where flexibility is paramount, whereable.ai's technology processes data directly on the vehicle rather than relying on cloud computing. This characteristic not only allows for swift adjustments based on the user's needs but also eliminates the reliance on high-definition maps, making the system far more adaptable to various driving situations.

Rapid Expansion and Real-World Applications

Since its establishment, whereable.ai has quickly gained momentum. The startup managed to secure a partnership with hy Mobility and ATEC Mobility mere months after its inception, paving the way for the deployment of autonomous vehicles within the departure hall of Incheon International Airport. Currently, ten indoor transport vehicles are undergoing tests, with operations slated to commence in the first half of 2025. This successful pilot underscores whereable.ai's potential to redefine mobility in highly trafficked environments, particularly at international airports.

CEO Yang Sanghwan from NAVER D2SF expressed strong optimism for whereable.ai, citing its impressive technical prowess and substantial field experience. Yang stated that the company is ideally positioned to become a frontrunner in the indoor and low-speed vehicle (LSV) markets.

A Promising Future Ahead

NAVER D2SF’s investment journey is merely a part of a broader strategy to cultivate innovative mobility solutions. The investment not only reinforces NAVER’s commitment to autonomous technologies but also fosters active collaborations between startups and its technological ecosystem.

As part of NAVER’s ongoing projects, the company has also deployed approximately 100 autonomous delivery robots, known as 'Rookie,' at the Tech Convergence Building, an innovation hub that integrates various cutting-edge technologies.

NAVER, a powerhouse in the South Korean market for over two decades, has branched out into numerous sectors, including fintech and cloud services, achieving remarkable growth and sales of KRW 9.6 trillion (USD 6.9 billion) in 2023. Its ambitious technological vision is embodied in NAVER D2SF's initiative "For Developers, By Developers," which aims at enhancing global collaboration in tech development.

In summary, NAVER D2SF's investment in whereable.ai not only highlights a significant advancement in autonomous driving technology but also symbolizes a future where seamless mobility solutions are at the forefront. With a clear focus on international airports and various public spaces, whereable.ai is on the verge of transforming the way we interact with transportation in everyday life.

To learn more about NAVER D2SF and its exciting ventures, visit NAVER D2SF's website.