South Korea-based companies Kia and Samsung have recently come together to collaborate on Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in automobiles, unveiling new consumer use cases that are set to revolutionize the industry.
Kia will be integrating its purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) into Samsung’s AI-powered IoT platform, SmartThings Pro. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the 2025 Kia EV Day event in Spain, showcasing a commitment to embracing emerging technologies.
The collaboration will kick off with Kia retrofitting SmartThings Pro into its PV5 model to enhance business mobility. This integration aims to establish seamless connectivity between vehicles and commercial operations, ultimately improving efficiency and streamlining workflows. Following a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) validation phase, the project will undergo a pilot across various use cases, with a commercial rollout scheduled for mid-2026.
During the PoC validation, business owners of PBVs were able to remotely control Samsung smart appliances from their cars using in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems or tablets connected to the PBVs.
One exciting use case that both Kia and Samsung are exploring is the implementation of a “work mode” in PBVs. This mode allows users to remotely trigger air conditioning and signage before entering their stores, enhancing the overall customer experience. Conversely, a “closing mode” can remotely turn off appliances and activate security monitoring devices for real-time alerts or equipment malfunctions.
These remote functionalities will enable operators of unmanned guesthouses to manage check-ins and conduct business operations from their vehicles. Various businesses like laundromats, cafes, and stores can leverage IoT integrations to implement pre-set workflows for their operations.
Park Chan-woo, Vice President of Samsung’s B2B Integrated Offering Center, highlighted the benefits of SmartThings Pro for B2B customers, emphasizing centralized control over both stores and vehicles. Through this collaboration, the aim is to expand AI-driven B2B solutions by leveraging Kia’s expertise in mobility.
Looking ahead, there are plans to expand IoT integrations in the automotive sector, building on a previous tripartite agreement between Hyundai, Samsung, and Kia. In addition to IoT, blockchain technology is making waves in the car manufacturing sector, introducing new applications for the industry.
For instance, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has turned to blockchain to store car titles for increased transparency. With self-driving cars gaining traction, companies like BMW and General Motors are integrating blockchain technology to safeguard user data from unauthorized access.
Experts predict that the automobile blockchain market is poised for significant growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% over an eight-year period.
Shifting gears to another tech frontier, Deutsche Telekom’s international system integrator division, T-Systems, has partnered with consultancy firm Drees & Sommer to offer metaverse-based digital twins for industrial use cases. Leveraging Nvidia’s Omniverse, the platform is designed for enterprise applications, particularly in digitalizing industrial environments.
Manufacturers can utilize the Omniverse-based platform to digitally map their equipment, systems, buildings, and personnel. This digital twin offers advanced monitoring and preventive maintenance functionalities to address supply chain bottlenecks effectively.
The platform also offers benefits such as transparency, efficiency, and regulatory compliance for financial audits and carbon emissions tracking. By fostering streamlined, collaborative processes between departments, the platform helps reduce planning and operational costs.
Christian Hort, an executive at T-Systems, highlights the versatility of the platform in helping manufacturing companies navigate industry changes. As blockchain continues to gain momentum in the automotive sector, the market is positioned for significant growth in the coming years.
With the digitization of car titles on distributed ledgers in the United States and global car manufacturers following suit, the automotive industry is on the cusp of a transformative technological shift. As innovations in IoT, blockchain, and digital twins continue to reshape the industry, the future of mobility looks brighter than ever.