Hyundai and Kia collaborated with six Korean research institutes and formed a consultative body to develop lunar rover mobility solutions. The announcement follows the successful launch of a domestically produced Korean rocket in June.
“We have taken the first step to turn our vision for robotics and the concept of Metamobility into reality,” said Executive Vice President, and Head of Planning & Coordination Center R&D for Hyundai Motor and Kia Yong Wha Kim.
“We will expand the scope of the experience of human movement beyond traditional means of transportation and beyond the boundaries of the earth to further contribute to the progress of mankind and help create a better future.”
The signing ceremony held in Korea was attended by the President and Head of R&D Division of Hyundai Motor and Kia Chung Kook Park as well as high-ranking officials from six research institutes.
The six are the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the Korean Institute of Astronomy and Space Science (KASI), the Korea Institute of Automotive Technology (KATECH), the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), and the Korean Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT). Research in Electronics and Telecommunications (ETRI).
With the collaboration expected to begin in early August, the consultative body will define lunar exploration mobility concepts and key core technologies while developing and reviewing specific strategies and implementation steps for operating on the moon.
Under the multilateral research agreement, participants from the private and government sectors will integrate their knowledge and capabilities to significantly advance existing technologies and engineer new solutions for lunar exploration mobility.
Expertise will be brought to a wide range of areas, including exploration equipment, software for mobility operations, and remote communication functions.
While it presents a significant challenge for the development of surface exploration mobility, it also provides the best evidence base and will provide valuable lessons for Hyundai and Kia to further accelerate the delivery of smart and sustainable mobility solutions on earth.
Hyundai and Kia will also collaborate on the design and interpretation of software and hardware, aerospace environmental response technology, and specialized equipment to carry out lunar exploration missions.
The multilateral agreement to develop mobility to explore the lunar surface is a pivotal moment in the history of Hyundai Motor and Kia as they expand their vision for future mobility, including Robotics and AAM, to areas beyond Earth.
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