What happens when you have a group of engineers with backgrounds in 3D data processing in an online class studying computer vision? 

Well – they form a company that develops software systems for self-driving cars! And that’s the story behind our guest for today Seoul Robotics. 

Founded in 2017, Seoul Robotics develops software systems for self-driving cars to determine traffic conditions. 

Its systems rely on data from Light Detection and Ranging or LiDAR sensors rather than a combination of camera sensors, which was unheard of at that point in time. 

The firm is also pioneering a new approach to automating vehicles called ‘Autonomy Through Infrastructure’, where autonomous driving systems are placed on infrastructure rather than cars. 

This can lower the costs of building autonomous transportation networks, as vehicles do not need to be fitted with cameras and sensors individually. It can also make autonomous transportation safer because autonomous driving systems placed on infrastructure can have a better vantage point and eliminate blind spots.

But how revolutionary is this concept and how much money can this bring to the firm?

Meanwhile, Seoul Robotics is currently working with partners including Qualcomm, and Nvidia, as well as major automakers such as BMW, Mercedes and Volvo. It has also closed a US$25 million Series B funding round led by KB Investment Company back in March. But what value do these strategic partners bring to the table?

On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian sat down with HanBin Lee, Captain and CEO, Seoul Robotics  for more.