Kakao Mobility announced plans to develop Level 4 autonomous driving technology internally as part of its physical AI strategy. Kim Jin-kyu, vice president and head of the company's Physical AI division, unveiled the roadmap at the 2026 World IT Show in Seoul. The presentation detailed how Kakao Mobility will build autonomous driving services using in-house development rather than relying on external partners. Level 4 automation represents high-level autonomy where vehicles operate independently in most conditions without human intervention. The announcement positions Kakao Mobility as a competitor in South Korea's autonomous vehicle market, where companies race to commercialize self-driving technology. The physical AI strategy signals the company's broader commitment to robotics and real-world AI applications beyond software. Kakao Mobility joins other automotive and tech firms investing heavily in autonomous capabilities as regulatory frameworks evolve globally. The company's timeline and specific technical milestones remain limited in public disclosure, though the roadmap indicates phased development toward deployment.
