The city expects that the open access simulator will provide sufficient opportunities to verify and develop essential technologies required for the actual operation of the autonomous vehicle zone in Sangam-dong as well as promote the industrialization of related fields.

The simulator is an almost true-to-life recreation of the autonomous vehicle zone in Sangam-dong that reflects the urban environment, such as lanes, buildings, trees, school zones and actual road conditions, by integrating digital twin with VR technology based on a 3D high-definition (HD) map.

The simulator boasts top-of-the-line technology that transcends the fictional world of VR and applies realistic elements, including a real-time feed that reflects live traffic information, such as hazards and roadwork.

The city will allow open access to universities, research institutes, startups, global companies, and more so that anyone can use the simulator anywhere and anytime.

Seoul will continue to expand its scope of VR projects for autonomous vehicles based on digital twins to major regions of the city, and gradually achieve its goals of demonstration and verification to become a smart city that commercializes autonomous vehicle technology to attract global companies.