The Seoul metropolitan government has agreed to allow 10 unmanned vehicles and robots to operate in the western part of the city from next week, as it looks to cement its reputation as one of the leading connected cities in the world.

The trials will be run in the Sangam district jointly by local telecoms, robotics and automotive technology companies including LG Uplus, Unmanned Solution and Control Works, in collaboration with Yonsei University.

A similar trial was launched in Sangam September last year, but on a smaller scale.

Four passenger cars, three minibuses and a further three delivery robots will operate in Sangam under normal road conditions, in an uncontrolled environment. 

The vehicles and robots will be fitted with high tech sensors and 5G antennas which monitor road traffic every 0.1 seconds to help prevent accidents.

Initially, self-driving minibuses will run along a 3.3km route, six days a week, which will be available for public use from 8 June.  

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Also this week, Hyundai said it would build hydrogen refueling facilities at Incheon International Airport, the country's main international gateway, in collaboration with France's Air Liquide SA.

Once construction is completed by March 2021, Hyundai will provide hydrogen fuel cell powered airport service buses.

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