[CES 2022] Chairman Chung Euisun: "Hyundai Motor Robotics Vision Enables Infinite Human Mobility and Progress"

[Las Vegas (USA) = Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] "Hyundai Motor's robotics vision will enable humanity's infinite mobility and progress."

Jung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, unveiled the robotics vision under the theme "Expanding Human Reach" at the CES 2022 press conference held on the 4th (local time) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA, the world's largest home appliance and IT exhibition. Chairman Jung also said, "Robotics is no longer a distant dream but a reality," adding, "Hyundai Motor aims to achieve great accomplishments through robotics." He emphasized, "We will expand future mobility solutions based on robotics into 'Metamobility' and continue limitless challenges to achieve this."

The key robotics visions Hyundai Motor revealed that day include ▲ 'Metamobility,' which innovatively expands users' mobility experiences ▲ the 'Mobility of Things (MoT)' ecosystem where objects are given mobility ▲ and 'intelligent robots' for humans.

Hyundai Motor anticipates that when smart devices, metaverse platforms, and mobility are connected through metamobility, the boundary between virtual and real spaces will collapse. In particular, mobility such as automobiles, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and robotics is expected to serve as a medium connecting the two worlds.

For example, automobiles will transform into smart devices enabling access to virtual spaces, allowing users to have diverse and vivid experiences within realistic virtual spaces implemented inside the vehicle.

Furthermore, by building a twin factory identical to the real one in the metaverse and closely connecting all devices and equipment, including robots, users can access the virtual space to operate and manage the actual factory, realizing a Smart Factory. Through this, users can remotely check the site in real-time without visiting the actual factory, and robots can execute users' commands. Hyundai Motor explained that it is collaborating with partners such as Microsoft in the U.S. to realize the Smart Factory concept.

Hyundai Motor also unveiled the 'Mobility of Things (MoT),' including plug & drive modules (PnD modules) and drive & lift modules (DnL modules), designed to provide movement to all objects regardless of their size or shape.

The PnD module, revealed for the first time that day, is an integrated mobility unit combining an in-wheel motor, steering, suspension, braking system, LiDAR, cameras, and other environmental perception sensors.

It can move freely using intelligent steering, driving, braking, and 360-degree rotation, and can be attached and adjusted flexibly to objects ranging from small tables to containers.

Hyundai Motor also introduced 'MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid),' a new concept compact mobility platform equipped with the DnL module. The DnL module features four independently functioning wheels, each with a motor designed to adjust the body height, maintaining horizontal balance on uneven surfaces, stairs, and slopes.

Hyundai Motor views creative robotics technologies like the PnD and DnL modules as contributing to the realization of the 'MoT' ecosystem and plans to continuously develop various new robotics technologies.

Hyundai Motor also introduced 'intelligent robots,' technologies that overcome human limitations and interact with external environments.

Representative examples include Spot and Atlas from Boston Dynamics, which Hyundai Motor acquired in June last year. Spot, a service robot equipped with various sensors and cameras, can perform diverse tasks on behalf of humans. It can operate in extreme conditions such as high or low temperatures, natural disaster zones, and radioactive contamination areas where human access is difficult.

Atlas, a humanoid robot with the most human-like form and movements, and Stretch, a logistics robot for rapid material handling, are also expected to be used diversely for human convenience.

In particular, Hyundai Motor is actively developing various wearable robot technologies such as VEX, which help overcome human limitations. Wearable robot technology is characterized by direct application to the human body, and once popularized, it will enable humans to easily lift heavy objects and reduce dependence on wheelchairs and walking aids.

Moreover, Hyundai Motor is closely collaborating with various partners to expand the use of robots in more fields and areas, and is exploring ways for robots to perform roles in outer space and other planets.

During CES 2022, Hyundai Motor has prepared a space of 13,225 ft² (approximately 372 pyeong) and will showcase various exhibits under the theme of 'Future Robotics Vision.' In particular, it will operate a 'Metaverse Zone' where visitors can create personalized avatars and communicate together in virtual spaces for a special experience.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.