Korea Leaps Toward Smarter Roads with ETRI’s Heterogeneous V2X Driving Innovation
South Korea is shifting gears on smart mobility. At the forefront of this move is the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), which has kicked off an ambitious research and development programme to bring heterogeneous vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technology to life.
The aim is a seamless and intelligent ecosystem where vehicles, road infrastructure, pedestrians, and networks all work in tandem to create safer, more efficient roadways.
The new V2X platform under development breaks the silos of traditional vehicular communication. Instead of relying solely on in-vehicle sensors or dedicated V2X hardware, this next-gen system leverages a mixed communication network including 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, and Korea’s high-speed research backbone, KREONET. The project, backed by the Ministry of Science and ICT and other national research bodies, stretches until the end of 2027, with real-world demonstrations already being rolled out in Daejeon.
A Holistic Vision of Smart Mobility
What makes ETRI’s approach unique is its inclusivity. Unlike earlier safety services limited to vehicles fitted with specific communication devices, this new system expands its reach to general vehicles and even pedestrians with smartphones. It’s a genuinely all-encompassing vision of mobility, bridging the gap between autonomous and conventional transport.
The system integrates four core communication pathways:
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V)
- Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I)
- Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P)
- Vehicle-to-Network (V2N)
All of these connect through a unified service platform that enables real-time communication and coordination. That means cars can not only detect hazards but also share that information instantly with nearby vehicles and infrastructure, allowing everyone to react faster and smarter.
Built for Level 4+ Autonomy
The core ambition behind this R&D is to enable Level 4 and beyond autonomous driving capabilities. This means vehicles not only navigate but also make decisions collectively, thanks to a flow of continuous data from their surroundings. Think of it as creating an always-on digital conversation among cars, roads, traffic lights, and even pedestrians.
A key technical leap is the development of a “heterogeneous converged network-based service platform,” enabling seamless communication across different network types. It combines on-board units (OBUs), AI-optimised edge servers, and remote control systems to support real-time situational awareness and remote decision-making.
Smarter Reactions in Critical Moments
One standout capability is the use of real-time video transmission. Vehicles send high-resolution video adapted to network conditions, allowing road infrastructure or cloud servers to analyse the footage and respond. Whether it’s identifying a child stepping into the road or a stalled vehicle around a blind corner, the system can broadcast warnings or control signals to nearby vehicles.
In practice, that could mean:
- Slowing down before a pedestrian crossing even if the vehicle hasn’t seen the person yet
- Adjusting speed around corners based on alerts from other vehicles
- Emergency vehicles receiving priority routing through dynamic traffic light adjustments
This is a leap beyond sensor-based autonomy. It’s cooperation through communication.
Modular Design for Broader Deployment
ETRI’s modular architecture ensures the technology is scalable and adaptable. Whether you’re in a bustling city centre or a remote rural road, the system can switch between 5G, LTE, and Wi-Fi based on availability. The flexibility makes it suitable for not just autonomous cars but also conventional vehicles and motorcycles, while also extending protection to vulnerable road users.
Choi Jeong Dan, Assistant Vice President at ETRI’s AI Robot Research Division, put it succinctly: “This research goes beyond simple vehicle autonomous driving technology and is the foundation for ‘collaborative smart mobility’ that connects entire cities. It will be the first step toward creating a safe and efficient transportation ecosystem centred on people.”
Real-World Testing in Daejeon
The city of Daejeon serves as the proving ground for this bold new direction. Demonstrations are already underway in its dedicated Autonomous Driving Demonstration Division, with partners such as LG Electronics and Kakao Mobility helping refine service verification and commercialisation.
The consortium includes some of Korea’s most advanced institutions and tech firms:
- Korea Electronics Technology Institute
- Saesol Tech
- Ettifos
- Telecommunications Technology Association
- Ajou University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
Their combined efforts are setting the stage for nationwide deployment.
A Broader Impact on Urban Life
The practical applications are vast. Imagine:
- Dynamic urban congestion control using real-time vehicle density data
- Pedestrian alerts for the elderly and disabled
- Remote vehicle control during hazardous conditions or breakdowns
- Smart group driving systems on highways
These aren’t just conveniences—they could be lifesavers. And they pave the way for a new generation of urban planning where digital and physical infrastructure merge seamlessly.
Unlocking New Industries and Innovations
ETRI isn’t just building better roads—it’s laying the groundwork for an entire industry of smart transport services. Everything from traffic control software and V2X-enabled wearables to AI-based transport management platforms stands to benefit.
By 2027, the goal is to have a comprehensive ecosystem that supports:
- Autonomous vehicles
- Conventional vehicles
- Pedestrian services
- Smart infrastructure
All communicating through a decentralised, AI-powered network.
A Safer, More Connected Future
It’s no overstatement to say this project could transform not just how we drive, but how our cities function. Roads will no longer be passive stretches of tarmac; they’ll become active participants in our daily commute.
In essence, South Korea is betting on a future where mobility is shared, decentralised, and intelligently coordinated. And with ETRI leading the charge, it looks like that future might arrive sooner than we think.
