Hyundai unveils the Mobile Eccentric Droid, known as MobED
Hyundai unveils the Mobile Eccentric Droid
A few days ago, the Hyundai Motor group presented an innovative project, a hyper-technological platform designed to revolutionize small mobility thanks to the use of robotics. It is called MobED, Mobile Eccentric Droid, and will be presented at CES 2022 which will take place in Las Vegas from 5 to 8 January 2022.The design of MobED is both simple but very innovative: there we find in front of a rectangular and flat central body, supported by 4 wheels each of which is equipped with independent suspension, so as to allow MobED to move with agility even on uneven ground. In addition, it is able to adjust its wheelbase and steering angle, as needed.
Speaking of the MobED project, the head of the robotics team of the Hyundai Motor group Dong Jin Hyun told the vision of the company:
“We have developed the MobED platform to overcome the limitations encountered by current driving robots, both for interiors and for experts, maximizing usability in the city and significantly improving the overall mobility of the platform. Now let's look ahead, to better understand what the needs of customers who want to buy our platform will be. "
MobED can boast several cutting-edge technologies, such as the 'Eccentric Wheel' transmission system, 4-wheel steering with adjustable angles, braking system, altitude control and much more: thanks to all these sensors, MobED is able to maintain an optimal posture on any type of road, keeping its central body perfectly flat, as you can see from the photo.
The 4 steering wheels allow it to rotate on the spot and make omnidirectional movements , so as to simplify its use even in the tightest spaces.
MobED measures 67cm in length, 60cm in width and 33cm in height, and weighs 50kg; the wheelbase can be extended up to 65cm to improve stability at high speeds, and it can go down to 45cm for tight maneuvers. For now the maximum speed is 30 km / h, while the 2 kWh battery installed allows about 4 hours of use.
Hyundai unveils mobile ‘eccentric’ droid, MobED
The MobED certainly has an innovative design. Its flat, rectangular body rides on four large wheels, with an independent suspension that enables optimal body posture and stable movement even on inclined and uneven roads. This suspension allows the platform to move through urban environments by freely adjusting its wheelbase and steering angles.
“We have developed the MobED platform to overcome the limitations of existing indoor guide and service robots while maximising its usability in cities by dramatically improving the platform’s overall mobility,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Hyundai Motor Group Robotics Lab. “We are also looking ahead to assess how potential users of MobED will further expand their needs and use for this type of technology.”
Equipped with innovative technologies including an advanced ‘Eccentric Wheel’ drive and high-tech steering, braking and altitude control systems, the MobED adapts and realises optimum posture on various road surfaces and environments. The three motors mounted to each wheel provide power and precise steering to the wheels while also controlling the overall posture of the body.
The intelligent design arrangement of each wheel featuring an individual power and steering control system enables in-place rotation and omnidirectional movement, which allows for highly effective mobility even in narrow situations. The eccentric mechanism-based posture control system also stabilises the body attitude by adjusting the height of each wheel according to the ground environment. The MobED’s 12-inch pneumatic tyres further help to absorb bumps and vibrations.
Designed for full versatility and modularity, the MobED can be utilised for various applications, depending on the mounted device. For example, it could be used as a mobility device for the elderly or the disabled when the platform is sufficiently increased for people to mount it. It can also be used as a stroller or leisure vehicle.
Hyundai Motor Group will be at CES 2022, Jan. 5-8, 2022. At the event, Hyundai Motor will present its future vision with robotics. The MobED will also be on display at Hyundai Motor’s booth.
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