Hyundai Mobis develops wheels that turn 90 degrees

Hyundai Mobis Co., an auto parts unit of Hyundai Motor Group, has developed technology to allow wheels to turn by 90 degrees, aiding in sharper vehicle cornering and easier parking.

The technology is also expected to speed up the development of vehicles with "crab driving" function – moving from side to side like a crab, or even 360-degree rotation.

Hyundai Mobis said on Oct. 24 that it has developed a technology, dubbed the e-Corner module, that combines driving, steering, braking and suspension in a package to be installed on each wheel. The technology reduces the need for connection of various mechanical parts and wheels, allowing a change in wheelbases based on a vehicle's characteristics, according to Hyundai Mobis. It also removes restrictions on design such as door directions and vehicle sizes. Automakers will be able to design purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), tailored models for customers’ needs, including professional vehicles such as customized ambulances.

In current vehicles, parts are connected through a mechanical shaft from the steering wheel to the wheels, enabling vehicles to rotate by only up to 30 degrees.

The e-Corner module allows a vehicle to move from side to side instead of back and forth, making parallel parking in a narrow space easier. The vehicle is also able to make a 360-degree rotation where it stands. The technology will enable drivers to operate vehicles as desired in complex city areas, improving the driving environment.

“It is a technology developed with the capability to produce various core functions such as steering, braking and connectivity,” said a Hyundai Mobis source.

Hyundai Mobis plans to review its reliability and possibility of mass production to secure orders from global automakers. Modules such as the e-Corner have yet to be mass produced around the globe since they need to secure driving stability while combining and applying various devices into a set of components.

The company is also set to develop another technology by 2023 for consumer vehicles by integrating and controlling the e-Corner module applied to four wheels. The technology, dubbed the Skateboard module, is a major platform that combines a chassis frame with key components such as steering and braking parts, as well as specialized components for electric vehicles.

It aims to provide PBV solutions by 2025, applying autonomous driving technology to the Skateboard module.

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.