Hyundai Motor develops micro-mobility design concept

Hyundai Motor's MobED [HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP]

Hyundai Motor has developed a standard configuration small robotic systems, a mini version of its E-GMP, the base for most of the company's electronic vehicles.

Mobile Eccentric Droid, or MobED, will weigh 50 kilograms (110 pounds), have a 2 kilowatt-hour battery and have four wheels with independent suspension and steering. It will be able to achieve speeds of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) per hour and run for four hours on a single charge.

MobED will be able maintain a stable ride even on slopes or uneven roads.

Hyundai Motor said the device could be used in various situations, including delivery, guiding and filming, due to its stable ride.

Since the device is designed to navigate challenging surfaces and narrow courses, the automaker also said device could be useful for serving purposes at restaurants and cafes.

The dimensions of the rectangular body and surface can be adjusted for different purposes. If used to deliver big boxes, the body can be extended, and if used for serving coffee at a small cafe, the body can be shortened.

The wheelbase, which indicates to the distance between the front wheels and the rear wheels, can be extended to as long as 65 centimeters and can be shortened to 45 centimeters.

If the platform gets an upgrade later to be bigger, MobED can also be used to support human mobility in limited circumstance, the company said.

"We have developed the MobED platform to overcome the limitations of existing indoor guide and service robots while maximizing its usability in cities by dramatically improving the platform's overall mobility," said Hyun Dong-jin, head of the Hyundai Motor Group Robotics Lab.

"We are also looking ahead to assess how potential users of MobED will further expand their needs and uses for this type of technology."

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]