Domestically developed data standards for traffic light signal message (TLSM) technology used in autonomous driving have been adopted in the U.S., virtually granting the standards global recognition. Shown is an image of such data. (Korea Agency for Technology and Standards)

By Hong Angie

A domestically developed data standard for autonomous driving has been adopted in the U.S.

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) on Sept. 23 said the country's proposed standards for traffic light signal message (TLSM) are reflected in the revised 2024 edition of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International's V2X Communication Message Set Dictionary (J2735), the de facto international standard for autonomous vehicles published in the middle of this month.

SAE J2735 is a standard that defines the format of autonomous driving data and the de facto dominant standard in the global self-driving sector. The TLSM-type data standard is common language for communication between self-driving vehicles and transportation infrastructure and smart devices, as well as essential not just for raising safety but also expanding the mobility sector such as car sharing and remote monitoring.

This international recognition of a domestically developed standard for self-driving traffic signal data marks the first result of its kind from bilateral cooperation with the U.S. in standardization.

Under an agreement with SAE International last year, KATS has cooperated in the setting and revision of SAE standards. The latest outcome came as the American entity accepted KATS' proposed content on traffic signal and map messaging (KS R 1600-3) jointly developed by the Korean National Police Agency and KoRoad (Korea Road Traffic Authority), something KATS is developing as a Korean standard (KS).

Since 2020, KATS has worked with related ministries and industries to set national standards in seven areas by 2025: data use scenario for autonomous driving, vehicle information, traffic signals, maps, control and pedestrian safety data.

KATS President Jin Jong-wook said, "KATS will continue promoting the setting of national standards for autonomous driving data as the basis for building self-driving infrastructure and stimulating the industry. We will also support globalization of domestic technology through global cooperation such as collaboration in standardization with the U.S."

shong9412@korea.kr