[Gangneung = E-Daily Reporter Shin Yeong-bin ] LOTTE INNOVATE(286940)is targeting overseas transportation infrastructure markets with its AI-based smart tolling technology. The company is in discussions for projects worth hundreds of billions of won in countries such as Malaysia and Mexico, positioning mobility as a mid- to long-term growth business.

Kim Kyung-yeop, CEO of LOTTE INNOVATE, stated at a press conference held on the 19th at the ITS World Congress in Gangneung, “The Multi-Lane Free-Flow (MLFF) toll collection projects we are discussing with foreign countries are in the hundreds of billions of won range,” adding, “Some of these projects are already underway in Malaysia and Mexico.”

Smart tolling is a technology that allows vehicles to pay tolls without stopping at toll plazas. LOTTE INNOVATE is seeking overseas business opportunities based on its AI-powered license plate recognition technology and experience in building toll collection systems.

CEO Kim announced a goal to triple the size of the mobility business—which currently accounts for just under 10% of the company’s revenue—by 2030. The plan is to drive growth by transitioning domestic pilot projects into full-scale operations and entering overseas transportation infrastructure markets.

“Domestic operations can also achieve significant growth as they transition from pilot projects to full-scale operations,” he said. “I believe this goal is fully achievable if we can deliver results in our global business.”

The company is pursuing overseas expansion by simultaneously designing its funding and business structure. CEO Kim explained, “Before deciding on specific countries, we are developing business plans by presenting proposals to private companies and banks.” He did not disclose whether contracts for the overseas projects currently under discussion have been signed or when orders are expected to be secured.

Yoon Tae-eun, Head of the Mobility Division, who presented the detailed strategy, cited AI license plate recognition technology as a key competitive advantage. This approach involves using generative AI to create various scenarios—such as rainy conditions, dented license plates, or plates covered in dirt—and utilizing them for training. This compensates for cases that are difficult to collect on actual roads, thereby improving recognition performance.

According to Division Head Yoon, LOTTE INNOVATE has installed 909 vehicle video recording devices on highways nationwide. The company also has a track record of deploying 171 single-lane HANPASS CO.,Ltd. systems and 31 multi-lane HANPASS CO.,Ltd. systems. The company plans to adapt to the traffic conditions of different countries by training the system to recognize foreign license plates.

For autonomous driving, the company is preparing for market expansion by accumulating operational experience, primarily in the public sector. CEO Kim explained, “It seems the autonomous driving market will require at least three more years,” adding, “For now, we are proceeding with our business by securing various references based on B2G partnerships.”

Over the past six years, LOTTE INNOVATE has logged 110,000 km in driving distance and carried 40,000 passengers through its autonomous driving services across nine regions. Going forward, the company plans to expand the scope of applications to include purpose-specific services—such as mobile unmanned stores, crime prevention, and patrols—by collaborating with specialized vehicle and software companies.

The company is also advancing the next-generation Intelligent Transportation System (C-ITS), in which vehicles and roads exchange hazard information. In Gwangju, it is conducting pilot tests for three services, including blind-spot hazard alerts. Division Head Yoon stated that the company is preparing to launch an integrated platform by 2028 by connecting solutions that have been developed independently.

CEO Kim said, “The most important thing is to connect various technologies to realize safety, convenience, and freedom in mobility,” adding, “LOTTE INNOVATE aims to connect diverse technologies and use them to revolutionize customers’ daily lives.”