[CES 2022] "Breaking the Stereotypes of Mobility" Hyundai's New Robots Unveiled in Large Numbers

Hyundai Motor Unveils Robotics Vision Covering MoT to 'Metamobility' at CES
Showcases PnD and DnL Module Applications with Spot and Atlas, Introducing the Era of Future Robots

The humanoid robot 'Atlas' unveiled by Hyundai Motor Company and Boston Dynamics at CES 2022 (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Hyundai Motor Company is attracting attention by showcasing a large number of cutting-edge robotics technologies that will realize the Metamobility era at CES 2022, the world's largest home appliance and IT exhibition.

At this exhibition, Hyundai introduced future mobility concepts such as MoT (Mobility of Things) and Metamobility under the theme "Expanding Human Reach," presenting the expanded roles and vision of robotics in future society.

To realize this vision, Hyundai unveiled key robotics technologies including the Plug and Drive module (PnD module), Drive and Lift module (DnL module), and Boston Dynamics' Spot and Atlas robots.

PnD Module Unveiled by Hyundai Motor Company at CES 2022 (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

PnD Module "Granting Mobility to All Objects"

The PnD module is the core robot of Hyundai's exhibition, an integrated mobility solution that combines an in-wheel motor, steering, suspension, brake system, and environmental perception sensors into a single structure.

True to its name, 'Plug and Drive,' the PnD module is designed to be attached to any object to grant it mobility. Depending on the device it is attached to, its size and number can be freely adjusted, making it a key element in the MoT era, the company emphasized.

In particular, the module applies 'Steering Actuator' technology that prevents internal wires from twisting even as the module continuously rotates, enabling 360-degree rotation and free movements similar to figure skating.

Concept models equipped with Hyundai Motor Company's PnD module (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

At CES 2022, Hyundai exhibited four application concept models applying the PnD module: Personal Mobility, Service Mobility, Logistics Mobility, and L7.

Personal Mobility is a platform-based application equipped with four 5.5-inch PnD modules, measuring 133cm in width, 125cm in length, and 188.5cm in height. It is a PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle) designed for one person to travel the last mile.

It features a rotary opening mechanism for efficient space use, and can be freely controlled via a smart joystick installed on the right side of the seat without a steering wheel or pedals.

Service Mobility and Logistics Mobility are also based on platforms equipped with four 5.5-inch PnD modules, developed with dimensions of 130cm width, 110cm length, and 180cm height, featuring drawer-like storage compartments that open and close. Service Mobility can be used for transporting customers' luggage in hotels, while Logistics Mobility is suitable for carrying goods in warehouses.

The L7 concept, developed to provide extreme mobility autonomy, applies an enlarged 12-inch PnD module. It measures 140cm in width, 190cm in length, and 70cm in height, accommodating one seated person. Similar to Personal Mobility, the seat can rotate to allow easy boarding and alighting, and it can be freely controlled with a joystick.

Hyundai plans to apply the PnD module to various objects without mobility in the future, ultimately opening the MoT era where all objects possess autonomous mobility.

DnL module applied small mobility platform Moved (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

DnL Module "Revolutionizing the Mobility Range of Robots"

At this exhibition, Hyundai displayed the actual small mobility platform 'MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid)' equipped with the DnL module along with an application guide.

The DnL module applied to MobED is an integrated robotics solution based on an eccentric mechanism that combines drive, steering, and brake systems into one structure.

As its name 'Drive and Lift' suggests, it enables free mobility through independent movement of each wheel, and the motors mounted on each wheel can lift and lower the body, allowing adjustment of the chassis to the desired tilt angle.

Thanks to DnL's advanced technology, MobED can maintain the body level on inclined roads or uneven surfaces and freely adjust the wheelbase and steering angle.

It can function as a multipurpose platform applicable to various applications, from unmanned service mobility such as guidance and delivery to versions that can carry passengers.

The revealed MobED measures 60cm in width, 67cm in length, and 33cm in height, weighs 50kg, has a battery capacity of 2kWh, and a maximum speed of 30km/h. It can run for about 4 hours on a single charge and is equipped with 12-inch tires to effectively absorb ground shocks.

Hyundai explained that through the DnL module, the operational range of robots, previously limited to indoors, can be expanded outdoors, preparing for a future utilizing DnL modules in various environments such as guidance and delivery.

Robot dog Spot unveiled by Hyundai Motor Company and Boston Dynamics at CES 2022 (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

Spot and Atlas "Surpassing the Physical Limits of Human Mobility Experience"

At CES 2022, Hyundai predicted in its 'Metamobility' vision that robots like Spot and Atlas would serve as intermediaries connecting the metaverse and reality, and exhibited the actual Spot and Atlas robots for visitors.

Spot, developed by Boston Dynamics, is a four-legged walking service robot equipped with vision sensors, acoustic sensors, temperature sensors, and stereo cameras, designed to perform missions in hazardous areas difficult for humans to access. Based on advanced robotics technology, it offers flexible movement and excellent balance maintenance, making it highly versatile.

Its top speed is 5.76 km/h, maximum payload is 14 kg, it uses a rechargeable cartridge battery, and can operate for an average of 90 minutes per full charge. It can function in temperatures as low as -20°C and as high as 45°C, and has waterproof and dustproof capabilities.

Additionally, when equipped with the 98cm-long Spot Arm on top, it can grasp, lift, and move objects, and operate valves, handles, and levers, maximizing its utility.

In fact, Hyundai Motor Group integrated the 'AI Processing Service Unit' developed by its Robotics Lab into Spot and conducted a pilot operation for factory hazard monitoring at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong.

During CES, Hyundai demonstrated Spot's advanced technologies to visitors for hands-on experience.

Furthermore, Hyundai also exhibited Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, Atlas, at CES 2022.

Atlas is regarded as the humanoid robot most similar to the human body worldwide. It realizes human-like movements through a total of 28 hydraulic power joints and maintains posture on complex terrains using mobility and stereo perception sensors.

Atlas stands 1.5 meters tall, weighs 80 kg, can move at a speed of 1.5 meters per second, and can carry loads of approximately 11 kg.

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