The Dawn of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV)

Hyundai Motor Group is making notable strides in the realm of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), signaling a paradigm shift in automotive engineering. Their core technology, “Flesus,” is poised to redefine vehicle functionality through Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, and advanced autonomous driving capabilities. The first mass-production vehicle incorporating Flesus is slated for launch in 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the company and the industry.

PLEOS 25: Unveiling the Future of Mobility

at the recent ‘PLEOS 25’ developer conference held in Seoul, Hyundai showcased its vision for software-centric automobiles and an open ecosystem strategy. The event highlighted the next-generation infotainment system and the underlying technologies that will power future Hyundai vehicles.

one of the test vehicles on display, outwardly resembling an Ioniq 6, concealed a fully revamped interior. A prominent 15-inch touchscreen dominated the instrument panel, while the steering wheel and dashboard were redesigned to seamlessly integrate with the Flesus interface. This vehicle exemplifies the SDV concept, maintaining constant connectivity to a cloud-based server for real-time data exchange and remote control capabilities.

On the outside, Ionic 6, but the inside is completely different.

Flesus: A Comprehensive SDV Ecosystem

Flesus represents Hyundai’s comprehensive approach to SDV technology. It comprises three key components:

• PLEOS Vehicle OS: The vehicle’s operating system, designed for optimal performance and adaptability.
• Pleos Connect: The next-generation infotainment system, offering advanced connectivity and user experience.
• gleo: An AI assistant, providing clever support and personalized services.

Re-Architecting the Vehicle: From Hardware to Software

The foundation of Flesus lies in a new electrical and electronic architecture (EEA) built around high-performance computers (HPVC) and a Zone Controller system. This design enables the separation of hardware and software, allowing for the consolidation of approximately 66% of existing functional controllers. Furthermore, the system supports continuous functional improvements through wireless Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates, a capability increasingly demanded by modern consumers. According to a recent study by McKinsey, consumers are willing to pay up to 20% more for vehicles with advanced OTA update capabilities.

We are making treadmills (learning machines) that continue to learn and evolve vehicles.

Song Chang-hyun, president of Hyundai Motor and Kia AVP

The Future of Automotive is software-Driven

Hyundai’s Flesus technology represents a significant step towards a future where vehicles are defined by their software capabilities. by embracing OTA updates, AI integration, and a flexible architecture, Hyundai is positioning itself at the forefront of the SDV revolution.As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and innovate through software will be crucial for success. The launch of the first Flesus-powered mass-production car in 2026 will be a key indicator of Hyundai’s progress and the broader adoption of SDV technologies.

Reimagining the Driving Experience with AI: Introducing Flaos

Hyundai Motor Group is pushing the boundaries of automotive technology with the introduction of Flaos, a cutting-edge in-vehicle platform designed to revolutionize the way drivers interact with their vehicles. Unveiled at the Polleos 25 developer conference in Seoul, Flaos represents a significant leap forward in AI-driven user experience and open-source development within the automotive sector.

Flaos is built upon a forked version of the open-source Android automotive operating system, granting it the flexibility and versatility of a smartphone. this allows for seamless app integration and multi-window support, enabling drivers to run multiple applications concurrently on their in-car displays. However, the true innovation lies in Glao, the integrated AI assistant.

Glao: Your Intelligent Co-Pilot

Glao is designed to learn driver preferences and habits,responding to natural language commands and seamlessly integrating vehicle functions with everyday life. During a exhibition, Glao effortlessly understood and executed complex requests, such as recalling a past cherry blossom viewing location and managing coffee orders. The system also demonstrated the ability to control vehicle functions like window operation and air conditioning, all without requiring any physical touch.

The driver communicated with the vehicle without a single touch, and Glao naturally recognized the driver’s intentions and realized the interactive user experience.

This level of intuitive interaction promises to minimize driver distraction and enhance overall safety and convenience. According to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver distraction is a factor in approximately 8% of fatal crashes annually, highlighting the importance of minimizing cognitive load while driving.

Autonomous Driving Enhanced: ATRIA AI

Beyond Flaos, Hyundai also showcased ATRIA AI, their advanced autonomous driving technology. ATRIA AI distinguishes itself by its ability to perceive road conditions and navigate without relying on fixed high-definition (HD) maps. Instead, it utilizes an end-to-end transformer-based model to directly plan routes, relying on input from just eight high-resolution cameras and a single radar unit, supplemented by standard smartphone GPS data.

This approach offers several advantages, including increased adaptability to changing road conditions and reduced reliance on pre-existing map data. The system also incorporates a “Guardrail” function, which dynamically adjusts control signals to ensure compliance with traffic laws.

Hyundai has invested heavily in its AI infrastructure, securing 3500 GPU learning units this year. Mass production vehicle applications are slated to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with a broader rollout expected from the end of 2027.

an Open Ecosystem for Developers: Flaos Playground

A key aspect of the Flaos strategy is its commitment to fostering an open ecosystem for developers. Hyundai is launching “Flaos Playground,” a comprehensive development environment that provides developers with the tools and resources they need to create innovative in-vehicle applications. This includes a Software Development Kit (SDK), Submission Programming Interfaces (APIs), a simulator, development hardware (Dev Box), and detailed app guidelines.

At the Polleos 25 conference, attendees had the opportunity to experience the Dev Box firsthand, connecting laptops to install and run applications. The platform extends beyond software, with SDKs also available for external hardware manufacturers to develop compatible vehicle accessories. The “Plug and Play” functionality ensures automatic recognition and integration of these accessories when connected to the vehicle.

The open platform approach has already attracted significant interest from major industry players.Partners such as Samsung Electronics, Naver, Unity, Soka, and Uber participated in the event, showcasing their collaborative efforts based on the Flaos platform.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Mobility

The event also highlighted strategic partnerships aimed at expanding the capabilities of Flaos and shaping the future of urban mobility. samsung Electronics demonstrated how SmartThings can seamlessly connect vehicles, mobile devices, and smart homes. Naver showcased AI-powered content briefings and voice command functionalities, while Soka presented its “Socar” car-sharing service integration.

Hyundai Motor Group also unveiled NUMA (Next Urban Mobility Alliance) to optimize urban traffic. Currently, the demand response transportation service ‘SHUCLE’ is operating in 50 regions of the country, and plans to be linked with transportation mobility devices and data -based control systems.

Hyundai Motor Group is committed to creating a future where mobility is seamless, intelligent, and accessible to all.

Redefining the Automotive Experience: The Rise of Software-Defined Vehicles

Hyundai Motor Group is aggressively pursuing a future where vehicles are more than just modes of transportation; they are intelligent, connected devices. Central to this vision is the “Flesus” platform, a new software architecture designed to personalize the driving experience and foster a thriving ecosystem of automotive applications.

Flesus: A Personalized and Open Platform

Flesus aims to revolutionize how drivers interact with their vehicles. The platform offers customized settings based on individual user profiles, similar to personalized experiences found on smartphones and other smart devices. This level of personalization extends beyond simple preferences, possibly impacting everything from driving assistance features to in-car entertainment.

The platform also embraces an open ecosystem, inviting developers to create innovative applications and services for Hyundai vehicles. This approach mirrors the success of app stores on mobile devices, where third-party developers contribute substantially to the overall user experience. Hyundai believes that fostering a strong developer community is crucial for expanding the capabilities and appeal of its vehicles.

We see a car as a smart device, and developers are the most important partners for expanding the automobile ecosystem.

Hyundai Spokesperson, Song

NUMA: Optimizing Urban Mobility

Beyond individual vehicle enhancements, Hyundai is also focused on improving urban mobility as a whole. The Next urban Mobility Alliance (NUMA) initiative aims to optimize traffic flow and enhance transportation efficiency in urban environments.This includes the expansion of demand-responsive transportation services like “SHUCLE,” currently operating in 50 regions. The goal is to integrate these services with various mobility devices and data-driven control systems, creating a seamless and intelligent transportation network.

Real-Time 3D Content and the Future of In-Car Experiences

The integration of real-time 3D content is another key aspect of Hyundai’s vision. By partnering with companies like Unity, Hyundai aims to deliver immersive and interactive experiences within the vehicle. This could include advanced navigation systems,augmented reality displays,and engaging entertainment options,further blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

Roadmap to Mass Production and Future Expansion

Hyundai plans to integrate Flesus into mass production vehicles starting in the second quarter of 2026.The company has ambitious goals for the platform, aiming to deploy it in 20 million vehicles by 2030. This widespread adoption would solidify Hyundai’s position as a leader in the software-defined vehicle market and pave the way for a new era of automotive innovation.

the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with software playing an increasingly crucial role. According to a recent report by McKinsey, the market for automotive software and electronics is projected to reach $462 billion by 2030, highlighting the immense potential of platforms like Flesus.