Hyundai Motor Group is preparing the commercial launch of its first mass-market four-wheeled mobile robot with elements of artificial intelligence — the Mobile Eccentric Droid (MobED). Serial production is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
Production and sales plans
The device is equipped with autonomous driving systems and a range of sensors that allow the robot to move independently and perform tasks, including cargo delivery, filming for movies and other service functions.
Hyundai expects to sell at least 10,000 units of the MobED within the first three years after sales begin. The price of the model has not yet been announced. The company notes that developing the platform is similar to the process of creating a conventional car.
Technology and investments
The group founded a robotics laboratory, Robotics Lab, in 2019 and acquired Boston Dynamics in 2021. The conglomerate plans to invest about 125 trillion won (approximately $85 billion) over the next five years in robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous transport.
At the same time, other examples of autonomous systems use are being observed: in the U.S., robots capable of engaging armored vehicles have been tested, and in logistics significant job automation is expected — in particular, Amazon plans to replace up to 600,000 workers in the U.S. with robots by 2033.
