Introduction to NEMO Ride: A Leap Forward in Mobility
In an exciting development for South Korea’s mobility sector, Kakao Mobility, in collaboration with RideFlux and the Jeju International Free City Development Center (JDC), has introduced the groundbreaking ‘NEMO Ride’ service within the Jeju Advanced Science and Technology Complex. This innovative venture aims to provide a specialized transportation solution tailored to the local community, addressing the chronic issues of heavy traffic congestion, insufficient parking spaces, and the lack of adequate public transportation services, particularly for the area’s workforce and university students.
Addressing Jeju’s Transportation Challenges
Jeju’s Advanced Science and Technology Complex has long faced transportation challenges, primarily due to its high vehicle ownership rate and the steep gradients of its roads, which pose difficulties for personal mobility devices. The introduction of the NEMO Ride service represents a significant leap forward, offering a practical solution by deploying autonomous vehicles designed to navigate these challenges efficiently.
How NEMO Ride Works: Enhancing Commutes with Autonomous Technology
Operating from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, the NEMO Ride service covers an extensive 11.7km area around the Jeju National Industrial Complex and the roads near Jeju Advanced Road, encompassing industrial parks and the Jeju National University Ara Campus. This service enhancement is expected to significantly improve mobility for students and employees within the region.
User Experience and Technology Integration
Users eager to experience autonomous travel can easily access the service via the NEMO Ride app, where they can specify their pickup and drop-off locations, as well as the number of passengers. The service utilizes Kakao Mobility’s advanced routing technology, allowing passengers with overlapping routes to share rides, much like a bus service, without incurring additional costs.
The Partnership Behind NEMO Ride: RideFlux and Kakao Mobility
RideFlux, a deep-tech startup, brings to the table its robust autonomous driving technology capable of operating under complex urban conditions and adverse weather. Kakao Mobility contributes its extensive expertise in mobility platform management and operational infrastructure to the partnership, ensuring the successful development and operation of the autonomous service platform.
Vision for the Future: Safe and Free Mobility for All
Jang Sung-wook, the head of Kakao Mobility’s Future Mobility Research Center, highlighted the company’s successful track record in delivering highly satisfactory autonomous driving services across various urban environments in South Korea. With a satisfaction rate of 4.98 out of 5 and a 67% re-use rate, Kakao Mobility is poised to replicate this success in Jeju, demonstrating the potential of practical and sustainable autonomous services to address societal challenges within local communities.
Conclusion: Pioneering a New Era of Transportation in South Korea
This initiative not only showcases the innovative spirit driving South Korea’s mobility sector but also represents a significant step towards solving urban transportation issues through technology. As South Korea continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving, the NEMO Ride service in Jeju is a testament to the country’s commitment to creating smarter, more connected communities.
