NAVER Labs, part of the largest South Korea internet company Naver has announced that it has partnered South Korean electronics major LG. The partners will integrate Naver Labs xDM (eXtended Definition and Dimension Map) to LG's Guide Robot.

The partnership between NAVER Labs, which is developing numerous future technologies, including indoor autonomous mapping robot M1 and Hybrid HD Map and LG Electronics was initiated during CES 2019. 

xDM was first revealed at DEVIEW 2018, the largest developer conference in Korea. It combines the Naver Labs portfolio of robot and AI-based technologies including high definition (HD) mapping, localisation and navigation with high-precision spatial data. The company says its key features are self-updating 3D/HD mapping, precise indoor and outdoor positioning and context-aware location information based on real-time spatial data. In addition, the NAVER Labs says it also supports the development of future location-based services such as augmented reality (AR) walking navigation and autonomous mobility services that include autonomous vehicles, service robots and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

The partnership aims at creating synergy by merging the xDM platform with LG’s Guide Robot in part as xDM can realise precise indoor autonomous driving using low-cost sensors and low processing power, which will allow LG Electronics to enhance the operation quality of its robot. At the same time, NAVER Labs can further enhance xDM capabilities with data collected by LG’s Guide Robot.

Jinseo Roh, senior vice-president and head of LG Electronics’ Robot Business Center, “NAVER Labs xDM platform is marked by the potential to be widely used for various future technologies such as autonomous driving and robotics. With NAVER Labs, LG will not only continue to enrich the consumer experience, but will also contribute to the development of robotics. LG Electronics and NAVER Labs are discussing a larger partnership opportunity going forward.”

Sangok Seok, head of Autonomous Machine group, NAVER Labs, said “Reaching a synergistic agreement with LG Electronics on joint R&D at CES is one of the greatest accomplishments of NAVER Labs. LG Electronics is launching various robots to generate innovation of daily life and, together with them, NAVER Labs will continue to realise our vision to develop ambient intelligence technologies.”