Electronics and Semiconductors

Video: Watch Hyundai’s vision of future transportation

05 January 2022

Hyundai has introduced a new concept transportation system at CES 2022 that includes a modular mobility concept of vehicles and transport robots based on its Plug and Drive (PnD) modules.

The modular concept is an all-in-one approach that combines intelligent steering, braking, in-wheel electric drive and suspension hardware. The single wheel unit uses a steering actuator for infinite wheel rotation, it can turn 360°, includes lidar and camera sensors and can be attached to anything from tables to containers.

“The PnD Module is adaptive and expandable to match human needs,” said Dong Jin Hyun, vice president and head of Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor Group. “Because in the world to come, you won’t move your things — they will move around you. PnD makes normally inanimate objects mobile. It’s this ability that makes changing practically any space possible. It’s a way to configure spaces on demand.”

In an example of how the PnD would work in office sharing, the concept would allow teams to modify and use workspace on demand, making the purpose-built space possible. It can be tailored to specific needs such as a personal mobility module that attaches to another shuttle and then detaches for last-mile delivery.

Four concepts

Hyundai unveiled at CES 2022 four application concept models: personal mobility, service mobility, logistics mobility and L7.

In personal mobility, four 5.5 inch PnD modules, measuring 133 cm wide by 125 cm long by 188.5 cm high, would provide last-mile mobility for a single passenger. It would be configured to use space by applying a rotary opening and closing method with a smart joystick installed on the right side of the seat without needing a steering wheel or pedal.

In the mobility concept, the plug and drive technology could be used for a personal travel vehicle or carry cargo depending on the use case. Source: Hyundai In the mobility concept, the plug and drive technology could be used for a personal travel vehicle or carry cargo depending on the use case. Source: Hyundai

Service and logistic mobility concepts would use the same platform, measuring 130 cm wide by 110 cm long and 180 cm high, with storage space that opens and closes like a drawer. In this concept, it could be used for transporting luggage in hotels or goods from warehouses.

The L7 concept is extreme mobility with a 12 inch PnD module where the seat rotates so the passenger can get on and off easily and it is operated with a joystick.

Drive and lift

Meanwhile, Hyundai showcased its mobile eccentric droid (MobED) platform with its Drive & Lift (DnL) module. This is an all-in-one solution for robotics based on an eccentric wheel mechanism combining drive, steering and braking systems into one structure.

MobED could be used in a variety of applications both manned or unmanned and could be used to create several service robots that operate both indoors and outdoors.

Hyundai said it plans to use the DnL modules for applications such as guide and delivery to help customers at shopping malls or other venues.

CES 2022 takes place January 5-8 in Las Vegas.

To contact the author of this article, email PBrown@globalspec.com


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