Automaker Hyundai introduced its first AI-powered mobility robot, which will go on sale next year.
The Korean company unveiled the Mobile Eccentric Droid (MobED) at the International Robot Exhibition 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
An earlier concept version was showcased by Hyundai at CES in 2022But now the production version of the platform will be made available in the first half of 2026 with two editions – Basic and Pro.
As a video released by Hyundai shows, the MobED is essentially a four-wheel platform that can be adapted and used for a variety of tasks such as making deliveries, carrying gear while mountaineering, filming and even acting as a golf caddy.
This is facilitated by a customizable modular design, which supports, for example, universal mounting rails and APIs.
The company believes that MobED’s ability to interact in diverse environments could be a game changer for mobile robots. It cited its “eccentric control mechanism”, which enables precise posture control, as a key factor in adaptation to different terrains, suggest This removes the need to design robots to perform prescribed tasks in specific environments.
MobED’s flexibility is supported by automotive grade engineering as well as what the company describes as “intuitive autonomy”, making it easy to use without any technical expertise.
Intuitive autonomy is provided through a combination of AI-powered sensors to help avoid obstacles, as well as predictive navigation algorithms that enable the robot to precisely maneuver in busy, confined spaces. There is also a detailed touchscreen controller to assist human operators in specifying locations.
As the names suggest, there are two different versions targeted at different users. MobED is more suitable for basic research and allows customers to create their own custom applications without pre-installed autonomy features.
The Modded Pro, meanwhile, integrates all AI-powered technology for reliable autonomy, making it more suitable for immediate deployment, whether for industry or individual consumers.
Pricing for either model has not been revealed yet, but it is understood that Hyundai is aiming to sell 10,000 MobEDs during its first three years of production.
