Hyundai Mobis to use self-running robots at Ulsan plant

Hyundai Mobis on Sunday said it will develop mobile robots usable at manufacturing sites and logistics hubs as well as a related logistics system based on self-driving technology. Trial runs will be held at its plant in the southern coastal city of Ulsan.

Analysts say this shows how the company's efforts to develop robotics as a future sector are paying off.

Through self-driving technology, the mobile robots can move themselves from factories and offices and assist workers using multi-joined arms. They use cameras and arms to perform a multitude of tasks like organizing products on store shelves or bringing barista-made coffee to a customer's table. The device's camera and lidar sensor enables a range of movement such as going forward and backward and left and right.

Logistics robots move freely between production lines and storage facilities and can transport goods and materials needed for operations. With a height of 15.2 meters each, they can carry up to 200 kg and locate themselves at a workplace through sensors such as lidar, cameras and ultrasonic waves.

Lee Seung-hwan, head of Hyundai Mobis' advanced research center, said, "We are combining a range of ideas to develop safe and precise robot technology."

Write to Han-Shin Park at phs@hankyung.com