NEWS

Sonnet.AI (SONNET Co., Ltd., CEO Keesoep Kim) and its consortium partners have successfully completed the five-year national R&D project, "Development of a Point-to-Point (P2P) Autonomous Minivan Platform," and are set to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Daegu Metropolitan City in May 2026. ◇ Autonomous Driving for Everyday Life — Built for Both Riders and Operators The outcomes of this R&D project go beyond delivering high-performance autonomous driving technology. The consortium has built a practical, everyday autonomous driving environment — one that creates tangible value for both end users and mobility service operators. For riders, the service breaks free from the fixed routes and designated stops that have long limited conventional autonomous shuttle services. To realize true P2P mobility — where passengers can hail a vehicle from any location and travel to any destination — Sonnet.AI developed real-time perception and decision-making technology that fuses AI with 3D precision mapping. The onboard AI autonomous driving system rapidly and accurately interprets complex urban environments, determines optimal driving strategies, and executes precise vehicle control to deliver seamless P2P autonomous driving. For taxi and mobility operators, the consortium developed proprietary vehicle conversion and interface engineering technology that enables standard production vehicles to be readily transformed into autonomous driving platforms. This breakthrough dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for operators seeking to adopt autonomous driving, and is expected to serve as a key catalyst for accelerating the growth of a privately led autonomous mobility service ecosystem.◇ Achieving Full Technological Independence — Recognized by Independent Expert Evaluation The most significant achievement of this project is the establishment of a Level 4 autonomous driving ecosystem built entirely on domestically developed technology — with no reliance on foreign platforms or externally sourced technologies. The Sonnet.AI consortium — comprising DGIST, iNavi Systems Corp., and THINKWARESYS. — achieved full technological independence across all core domains, including autonomous vehicle control, real-time perception through AI model lightweighting, and safety-map technology based on the SOTIF (ISO 21448) safety standard. Notably, through AI optimization, the system enables real-time autonomous driving even on low-cost, low-spec edge computing hardware such as the NVIDIA Jetson. The consortium also developed its own high-precision GNSS sensors in-house, replacing expensive imported components and significantly enhancing price competitiveness. Equally impressive results were achieved in mapping and localization — technologies that are fundamental to autonomous driving reliability. Sonnet.AI developed and integrated a large-scale SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology capable of real-time perception across kilometer-wide areas and centimeter-level 3D positioning. This enables reliable autonomous navigation even in GPS-challenged environments such as dense urban corridors and tunnels, raising the overall safety bar for autonomous driving. The technology also establishes the foundational infrastructure needed to rapidly scale service coverage in the future. These achievements were recognized in an independent expert technology evaluation, which confirmed that the platform has reached a level of completion suitable for commercialization — well beyond the scope of a standard R&D project. The system also passed all performance tests administered by accredited external testing bodies, further validating its technical reliability. ◇ No Fixed Routes. Real Autonomy. The P2P Robotaxi Arrives in Daegu. Launching this May in the Daegu Technopolis area, the raxi – Sonnet.AI Robotaxi service stands apart from conventional autonomous shuttle services. Rather than circulating between fixed stops, it offers true P2P mobility — passengers board and alight at locations of their choosing. This marks a pivotal milestone in the transition of autonomous driving from a novelty to a practical, everyday mode of transportation for the public. Keesoep Kim, CEO of Sonnet.AI and the lead technologist behind the project, stated: "The past five years have been a period of relentless effort, with every member of our team committed to securing foundational technology. This expert evaluation has validated our world-class technological competitiveness. Starting from Daegu Technopolis, we will lead a new standard in autonomous driving services and accelerate our expansion into global markets." Autonomous driving is widely recognized as a core technology of Physical AI — AI that interacts with and operates in the real world. The successful development of a commercially ready autonomous platform using entirely domestic technology, free from dependence on foreign platforms, represents a landmark achievement: securing the technological self-sufficiency of Korea's mobility ecosystem and establishing a firm foundation for global market entry.◇ Early Rider Recruitment Underway Ahead of May Launch In advance of the service launch, Sonnet.AI will be recruiting members of the public to join a Robotaxi Early Experience Program. Selected participants will be among the first to call a robotaxi through a dedicated app and experience the smooth, safe ride enabled by Sonnet.AI's proprietary autonomous driving technology. Details on the early rider program and service launch will be announced through Sonnet.AI's official website at https://sonnet.ai and official social media channels.

It's finally here.“RAXIAN, Autonomy by Design for Every Journey.” We, sonnet.ai, are thrilled to share the very first glimpse of RAXIAN. This is not just a shuttle. RAXIAN is a next-generation autonomous vehicle built from the ground up with one unwavering principle: Full autonomy. Without a driver. From design to engineering to styling — every detail has been crafted for a future where vehicles think, move, and adapt on their own. Our mission has always been crystal clear: Safer. Smarter. More sustainable mobility. This is more than a technical achievement. It’s the beginning of a new era in autonomous transportation. And we’re only getting started. Stay tuned — there’s so much more to reveal.  #SonnetAI #RAXIAN #AutonomousDriving #AutonomyByDesign #DriverlessFuture #TeaserDrop #ComingSoon

Sonnet, a Korean autonomous robotaxi company, announced that its Level 4 driverless shuttle—powered by its proprietary AutoDrive™ solution—has received official certification from Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.This marks the first time a previously idle French Navya shuttle has been fully certified and authorized for autonomous operation in Korea.With AutoDrive™ installed, Sonnet independently manages both hardware and software, without support from Navya.This allows previously unused Navya shuttles in Korea to be legally operated under Sonnet’s warranty and responsibility.Sonnet is also developing a 4-ton multi-purpose unmanned platform with Inno Design, targeting logistics and passenger use.A new 15-seater shuttle capable of speeds up to 40 km/h is set for release by late next year.In parallel, Sonnet is strengthening its B2B presence with successful deployments in steel plants and port terminals, including automated container tracking systems.CEO Ki-seop Kim announced the company is launching its first investment round to expand its leadership in the autonomous driving sector.Source : [zdnet korea] 소네트, 레벨4 자율주행셔틀 인증 획득

At the 2024 World Smart City Expo (WSCE) held at KINTEX in Ilsan, autonomous driving technology company Sonnet.ai presented test rides featuring autonomous electric cars and electric shuttle buses.Sonnet is developing a Level 4 autonomous driving platform by equipping existing vehicles with LiDAR sensors and proprietary autonomous driving software.Once regulatory frameworks are updated, autonomous taxi services are expected to become feasible in Korea.Sonnet is also providing smart logistics solutions integrated with autonomous driving technology at Busan New Port.Source : [산업일보] WSCE에서 미리 만나는 ‘자율주행 Lv4’

On July 10, 2023, Sonnet, a leading autonomous robotaxi company, hosted a global trends seminar focused on revitalizing the autonomous mobility ecosystem.Co-organized with DGIST and sponsored by Daishin Securities, the event gathered experts from public institutions, corporations, and academia, including representatives from Daegu City, Samsung Electronics, and STEPI. The seminar addressed the role of autonomous mobility in mitigating the decline of public transport in aging and depopulated regions.Topics included domestic and international smart mobility trends, integration with urban space, and cybersecurity in autonomous vehicles. Sonnet Chairman Junwoo Son proposed the launch of the “Korea Robotaxi Initiative (KORI),” a strategic private-led alliance.The initiative aims to unite experts in software, vehicle platforms, sensors, and infrastructure to create a cost-efficient yet high-quality Korean robotaxi ecosystem in anticipation of rapid global market growth over the next 10–20 years.

Zuragon and Sonnet.ai today announced the official announcement of the already ongoing co-operation in South Korea. Sonnet.AI is appointed representative for Zuragon´s products and Zuragon will enable global distribution of Sonnet.ai´s IPR for autonomous solutions through its global sales network.The target of collaboration is to become a notable player in the autonomous vehicle field, with a more complete portfolio of tools, services and off the shelf algorithms and controls to get the end users going with their autonomous projects with a minimum of effort and a maximum of re-use.Joachim Fritzson, President and CEO of Zuragon says in a comment:We have been collaborating with Sonnet.AI for a while behind the scene and we are deeply impressed of the level of their knowledge. We are proud and happy to have them as part of the Zuragon family and we have high expectations on the outcome of this collaboration.Dr Joonwoo Son, Founder and CEO of Sonnet.AI says in a comment:Finding a fast feet partner like Zuragon is really great. We expect to contribute to their portfolio and they to contribute to ours. We have just seen the beginning of this technology in South Kora and Asia. There is a lot more to come.About Zuragon: Zuragon founded in 2011 is focusing on tools for development and test of Active Safety Systems (ADAS) for vehicles. With offices in Sweden, Finland, UK, Romania and USA and Qualified resellers in China, Japan and South Korea, Zuragon offers a worldwide support to customers and development partners.Signing ceremony at Automotive Testing Expo 2018 (KINTEX, South Korea)Zuragon and Sonnet.ai today announced the official announcement of the already ongoing co-operation in South Korea. Sonnet.AI is appointed representative for Zuragon´s products and Zuragon will enable global distribution of Sonnet.ai´s IPR for autonomous solutions through its global sales network.The target of collaboration is to become a notable player in the autonomous vehicle field, with a more complete portfolio of tools, services and off the shelf algorithms and controls to get the end users going with their autonomous projects with a minimum of effort and a maximum of re-use.Joachim Fritzson, President and CEO of Zuragon says in a comment:We have been collaborating with Sonnet.AI for a while behind the scene and we are deeply impressed of the level of their knowledge. We are proud and happy to have them as part of the Zuragon family and we have high expectations on the outcome of this collaboration.Signing ceremony at Automotive Testing Expo 2018 (KINTEX, South Korea)Dr Joonwoo Son, Founder and CEO of Sonnet.AI says in a comment:Finding a fast feet partner like Zuragon is really great. We expect to contribute to their portfolio and they to contribute to ours. We have just seen the beginning of this technology in South Kora and Asia. There is a lot more to come.About Zuragon: Zuragon founded in 2011 is focusing on tools for development and test of Active Safety Systems (ADAS) for vehicles. With offices in Sweden, Finland, UK, Romania and USA and Qualified resellers in China, Japan and South Korea, Zuragon offers a worldwide support to customers and development partners. Zuragon and Sonnet.ai today announced the official announcement of the already ongoing co-operation in South Korea. Sonnet.AI is appointed representative for Zuragon´s products and Zuragon will enable global distribution of Sonnet.ai´s IPR for autonomous solutions through its global sales network.The target of collaboration is to become a notable player in the autonomous vehicle field, with a more complete portfolio of tools, services and off the shelf algorithms and controls to get the end users going with their autonomous projects with a minimum of effort and a maximum of re-use.Joachim Fritzson, President and CEO of Zuragon says in a comment:We have been collaborating with Sonnet.AI for a while behind the scene and we are deeply impressed of the level of their knowledge. We are proud and happy to have them as part of the Zuragon family and we have high expectations on the outcome of this collaboration.Dr Joonwoo Son, Founder and CEO of Sonnet.AI says in a comment:Finding a fast feet partner like Zuragon is really great. We expect to contribute to their portfolio and they to contribute to ours. We have just seen the beginning of this technology in South Kora and Asia. There is a lot more to come.About Zuragon: Zuragon founded in 2011 is focusing on tools for development and test of Active Safety Systems (ADAS) for vehicles. With offices in Sweden, Finland, UK, Romania and USA and Qualified resellers in China, Japan and South Korea, Zuragon offers a worldwide support to customers and development partners.