Hyundai Mobis has developed mobile collaborative and logistics robotics based on autonomous driving and implemented them for pilot operation at its Ulsan plant in South Korea.

The collaborative and logistics robots can be used in manufacturing or distribution bases as well as in service locations. Hyundai has also developed an integrated controller and control system for the robotics.

The mobile robots with articulated arms move autonomously in different environments, such as factories or offices, performing tasks with the people in charge. Mobile collaborative robots are equipped with cameras and lidar sensors, allowing them to move back and forth or sideways.

Unlike general industrial robots or wearable robots, mobile collaborative robots serve various purposes at home and in commercial spaces. The vision cameras and moving arms of the robots allow them to perform interactive tasks with their human counterparts, such as arranging products on the shelf or delivering a cup of coffee brewed by a barista to a table.

The self-driving logistic robots are low-floor robots that move freely between production lines and distribution warehouses to transport supplies or goods. The 152mm-tall robots can carry up to 200kg with the ability to lift up to 12cm.

Using the equipped lidars, camera and ultrasonic wave-enabled sensors, these robots can identify their own locations at the site and deliver materials via optimal paths that have been set to avoid workers and obstacles.

In addition, Hyundai secured a system that allows for integrated control of multiple self-driving logistics robots within one workplace. The key to this control system is preventing collisions and deadlocks between robots. A proprietary algorithm predicts and controls in real time the movement of multiple robots.

Hyundai is also developing robotics that can be used outdoors. This will incorporate robo-wheel technology, which has been designed to help the robots move safely in outdoor environments, such as slopes and bumpy road surfaces. The built-in control algorithm of the robo-wheel facilitates various driving motions, including a 360-degree zero turn and sideways crab driving.

“We are brainstorming innovative and creative ideas to develop safe and precise robotics technologies,” said Lee Seung-Hwan, head of advanced engineering at Hyundai Mobis. “We hope to use these human-robot collaborations to further expand the scope of our business.”

Hyundai plans to develop various robot platforms based on the elemental technologies of the mobile collaborative robots and self-driving logistics robots that are under development. The project will focus on advancing the human-robot interface, robot driving and robot control technologies, which will be used in various areas, such as smart factories, distribution bases, offices and households.