Autonomous Car Testing Facility In South Korea Breaks Records, Aids Future Of Self-Driving Vehicles

by E. K. Encina / May 10, 2017 11:31 AM EDT

Uber Self-Driving Car Program Resumes After Crash

The autonomous car testing facility in South Korea is a massive and revolutionary proving ground in ensuring the future of self-driving vehicles. The fate of the self-driving car industry is a bit shaky at best considering the fact that the technology itself is far from being perfect.

There were even fatal accidents in the past involving mechanical malfunctions from these AI-controlled vehicles. However, the new autonomous car testing facility dubbed "K-City" hopes to change the notion of unsafe, hazardous and harmful self-driving vehicles.

According to MailOnline, South Korea's K-City is going to become the largest autonomous car testing facility in the world, once it opens by the second half of 2017. The highly ambitious testing grounds will about 360,000 square meters wide, and will even include expressways, dedicated self-driving car parking zones as well as bus lanes.

While the initial soft opening will only open-up certain areas, the entirety of the autonomous car testing facility will reach its completion by the start of 2018. These proving grounds will certainly aid the development of self-driving vehicle technology since companies won't have to secure operating permits in order to utilize the roads.

This not only ensures the safety of not being on civilian roads, it also makes sure that autonomous AI problems can be addressed without causing any property damages or casualties. In fact, South Korean companies like Samsung, Kia Motors and Hyundai are already gearing up to test their technology in this autonomous car facility.

According to FastCompany, it might take some time before self-driving technology finds its permanent place in the general public. After all, there are people who make a living through driving services and self-driving cars are a big threat to their livelihood.

There's also the issue of geography, since not every area in the world is mapped evenly and geographical nature constantly changes as new infrastructures are built. Which means autonomous vehicle technology should adapt as well and ensure that safety measures are consistent regardless of change in hazardous conditions. Nevertheless, K-City just might be the first step in covering all the necessary precautions in creating a safer autonomous car future.