whereable.ai, a developer of physical AI-based autonomous driving solutions, announced that its “linq” indoor shuttle has been named a CES 2026 Innovation Awards Honoree. The vehicle received recognition in both the Smart Communities and Accessibility & Longevity categories. This distinction supports the company’s strategy to deploy autonomous mobility in global airports and large-scale facilities.
Highlights
- Dual Recognition: Awarded CES honors for Smart Communities and Accessibility & Longevity.
- Mapless Autonomy: Utilizes World Model-based E2E technology, eliminating the need for HD maps.
- Agile Mobility: Features four-wheel independent steering for zero-turn and lateral movement.
- Commercial Timeline: Targeting a market launch in the first half of 2026.
Technical Specifications and Navigation
The linq shuttle is engineered to support passenger mobility in complex indoor environments. It utilizes World Model-based end-to-end (E2E) autonomous driving technology. This approach allows for mapless operation, which significantly improves scalability by removing the reliance on high-definition infrastructure maps.
To ensure efficient movement in narrow or crowded spaces, the platform integrates advanced chassis systems. Key engineering features include:
- Four-Wheel Independent Drive: Provides precise control over individual wheels.
- Omnidirectional Steering: Enables zero-turn maneuvers and lateral movement.
- Multi-Modal Interface: Allows passengers to select destinations via touchscreen or voice-based interaction (VLM).
Operational Management and Deployment
whereable.ai pairs its hardware with a comprehensive Fleet Management System (FMS). This software suite supports real-time vehicle monitoring, remote operations, and detailed data analytics. These tools are essential for managing large-scale deployments in high-traffic venues like shopping malls and resorts.
The company has already validated its software capabilities in real-world settings. Since August 2025, ten autonomous vehicles have operated on a dedicated road at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. The linq shuttle builds upon this data foundation, designed specifically to coexist with pedestrians in public areas.
Strategic Growth and Future Applications
The company is currently engaged in discussions regarding proof-of-concept (PoC) collaborations with multiple international airports. CEO Doosan Baek noted that the CES recognition validates the product’s market readiness as they accelerate global commercialization.
Beyond indoor passenger transport, whereable.ai plans to expand into outdoor domains. Focus areas include:
- Logistics Hubs: Autonomous material handling.
- Military Environments: Logistics platforms currently in development with the Korean Army.
- Resort Mobility: Specialized outdoor transit.
The startup recently secured seed funding from investors including NAVER D2SF and Quad Ventures. Additionally, whereable.ai was selected for the Defense Venture Innovation Technology Support Program, highlighting its potential in dual-use applications.
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