Hyundai imagines a world full of helpful robots at CES 2022

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its vision of the use of robotics at the Computer Electronics Show (CES) 2022, in Las Vegas, NV this week.

With the theme: "Expanding Human Reach" Hyundai’s presentations reflected the company’s goals of using robotics as a future form of mobility and assistance. The company sees robotics and mobility to form a robotics-based Mobility of Things (MoT) ecosystem. Hyundai is also presenting various mobility solutions that aim to be part of this paradigm from ambulances, passenger pods and even work with robotic household plants.

After acquiring robotics leader and innovator Boston Dynamics, Hyundai aims to be a to enhance people's quality of life through a wide range of mobility solutions. The company believes that robotics and mobility are complementary and work hand in hand in development. Hyundai will be presenting 8 different robotics displays throughout the event, showcasing their unique use case scenarios.

Personal Mobility refers to a robotic individual public transportation vehicle that promises a comfortable ride while protecting personal privacy. Also, it can provide private mobility with autonomous driving technology. 

Logistics Mobility is a commercial unit that handles product delivery and acts as a smart logistics solutions for goods. Imagine a smaller unit that then docks to a larger mother shuttle that acts as a larger mobility vehicle. It then it undocks and is able to move short distances autonomously working in tandem with other robotic solutions that can execute a first-to-last-mile delivery of goods. 

Service Mobility a human-friendly mobility robot, which plays the same role as a personal assistant by providing automated services, such as an information screen and baggage delivery at points where services have not been previously provided. the robotic system serves as an automated concierge or butler for customers' needs.

MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid) is a mobile platform that can be combined with various modules and gives additional functionality over personal mobility to aid the elderly in moving through complicated terrain and obstacles. This works in conjunction with MobED +screen that provides the interface and functionality and acts as a personal guide.

L7 is a micro-mobility with infinite wheel rotation, which can enable it to switch directions freely and drive even in a restricted space. It can be used for various types of mobility platforms.

Spot® is an agile quadruped robot that can be equipped with an arm and camera. It can perform automated routine inspection tasks and data capture safely, accurately, and frequently. Its movements and mannerism eerily mimics that of an organic dog.

AtlasTM is also another robotics achievement that looks like a bipedal humanoid and exhibits human like power, balance and agility.

“At Hyundai, we are harnessing the power of robotics to achieve great things. We envision future mobility solutions made possible by advanced robotics," Executive Chair of Hyundai Euisun Chung said at CES 2022. 

Boston Dynamics Founder and Chairman Marc Raibert also joined the presentation to show how Hyundai Motor and Boston Dynamics are already taking mobility beyond human physical limitations using current robotics technologies. Together, the two companies envision a future in which people and robots work together, improving safety, productivity and quality of life.

“We see a future where robots become more than just task-oriented tools, more than just machines,” Raibert said. “We believe in a future where robots become useful, trusted companions in our everyday lives.”

The carmaker will also development other robotics and mobility technology, such as AI, autonomous driving, and the flying Urban Air Mobility (UAM). 

Photos from Hyundai 

Also read:  Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 jointly claim top spot in 'Best Cars of the Year 2021/2022'