RideFlux Registers 100th Patent, Strengthens AI Technology Barriers for Level 4 Autonomous Driving

RideFlux has secured 100 patents centered around core autonomous driving software technologies, enhancing its competitiveness in intellectual property (IP) in preparation for the commercialization of Level 4 autonomous driving.

The autonomous driving software specialist RideFlux announced on the 12th that it has completed registration of its 100th patent. The company explained that it is building a unique patent portfolio centered on AI algorithms by independently developing technologies across the entire autonomous driving software spectrum, from perception and localization to decision-making, control, high-definition mapping, and remote operations.

In particular, RideFlux is focusing its research and development capabilities on the area of 'Physical AI,' in which artificial intelligence learns from and makes decisions in complex real-world road scenarios. Rather than merely implementing basic autonomous driving functions, the company seeks to raise the qualitative level of patents, especially those based on perception and decision-making algorithms, to create technological barriers that make it difficult for latecomers to catch up.

Leading technologies include perception capabilities that enhance the processing speed and accuracy of LiDAR-based object detection AI models. This technology received a AAA rating in the SMART5 evaluation. In addition, an algorithm that considers safety while explaining driving decision processes received an A rating, and a road network map generation technology that enables rapid real-time route planning achieved an AA rating.

The 100th registered patent is also an AI technology used for building high-definition maps. It automates the mapping of geometric road elements such as lanes and curbs by processing real-time LiDAR data—a process that previously required manual labeling by humans.

This technology can significantly reduce both the cost and time required to build high-definition maps. The patent was successfully registered after being recognized for its novelty and inventiveness, surpassing prior patents held by China’s Baidu and the US-based DeepMap.

RideFlux has secured not only quantitative but also qualitative competitiveness in patents. As of July of this year, the company had 148 patent applications and 100 registered patents. The patent registration rate stands at 95.06%, far exceeding the overall registration approval rate of 74.6% at the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

Based on the SMART5 standards, 49.25% of the company's patents have received a rating of A or higher. RideFlux noted that this is more than double the industry average.

The patent yield in relation to investment is also evaluated favorably. RideFlux has filed 16.78 patent applications for every KRW 10 billion invested. This is approximately 13 times higher than global autonomous driving company Waymo, which has filed 1.32 patent applications per KRW 10 billion invested.

The company is also working to commercialize its patented technologies. Currently, RideFlux is the only company in Korea conducting 'unmanned permit-based' autonomous driving test operations with no driver in the driver’s seat. In the logistics sector, the company was the first in Korea to implement paid autonomous freight transport between logistics hubs.

Based on these achievements, RideFlux plans to make a phased transition to fully unmanned autonomous driving by 2027. The company aims to create a virtuous cycle by using real-world driving data to further enhance AI technologies and secure additional patents.

RideFlux is speeding up preparations for its initial public offering as well. In May, the company received an A grade from both evaluation institutions in its technology assessment, thereby qualifying to request a preliminary review for listing. The company plans to submit its preliminary IPO application to the Korea Exchange later this month and begin the official KOSDAQ listing process.

Junghee Park, CEO of RideFlux, stated, "The core competitiveness of Level 4 autonomous driving software lies in advanced AI algorithms, high-quality physical data, and a robust IP portfolio to protect them. We will rapidly secure patent rights for physical AI technologies that have been proven in real road environments, thereby building even stronger technological barriers that latecomers cannot easily overcome."

RideFlux plans to accelerate the commercialization of Level 4 autonomous driving using its 100 patents by strengthening the patent protection of core Physical AI technologies, while simultaneously conducting unmanned autonomous driving demonstrations and pursuing a KOSDAQ listing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.