Hyundai Motor Co.’s self-driving taxis that hit the Seoul roads in the first half of next year can drive in darkness as well as in severe weather conditions at an average speed of 70-80 km/h (43 miles), auto industry sources found.

The new Roboride self-driving cab will be fitted with more than 10 radars and cameras to drive in rainy and dark conditions.

Like the usual ride-hailing service, the unmanned cab arrives to the customer upon hail by a smartphone app and takes the passenger to the destination.

As the taxi is based on Level 4 self-driving technology, the Roboride can only be serviced in areas backed by special high-precision 3D road maps, on which traffic lanes and other facilities information is reflected in a centimeter unit with 3D data about traffic lights, signs and road marks.

The map allows the unmanned taxis to safely navigate against challenging and complicated driving situations in heavy rain and even in emergencies like with broken sensors.

Hyundai Motor unveiled the video of its Level 4 self-driving Nexo Fuel Cell driving on roads in Gangnam district of Seoul during the Seoul Mobility Show 2021 on Thursday. Industry experts expect the Roboride service will be available near the test site.

Development of the self-driving technology is led by Motional, the joint venture between Hyundai and Ireland-based auto parts supplier Aptiv.

By Won Ho-sup and Lee Ha-yeon

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