HMM, Hyundai Motor, Kia, Korean Register (KR), HMM Ocean Service and Koseong Engineering have completed a shipboard navigation test of Hyundai and Kia’s MobED mobile robot platform on the multi-purpose vessel Hyundai Dubai.
The demonstration, conducted at CJ Logistics’ steel-exclusive pier in Changwon, South Korea, aimed to verify whether a land-based autonomous robot could operate on a ship environment subject to vessel movement.
MobED uses four-wheel independent control technology to maintain a level platform and stable movement across uneven surfaces, inclines and changing conditions. The platform can be fitted with equipment including inspection tools, cameras and delivery systems for different onboard applications.
During the test, the robot completed straight and curved driving, low-speed and high-speed operation, route learning and autonomous navigation tasks within the vessel’s cargo area. Due to the limited space available in some areas, route learning and low-speed operation were conducted using remote manual control rather than fully autonomous navigation.
The organisations said the demonstration showed that robots could be deployed in cargo areas without modifications to existing ship facilities. Potential suggested applications include cargo area inspections and material transport, including operations in areas that may be difficult or hazardous for crew access.
Hyundai and Kia developed the MobED platform and control technology, while KR assessed applicable robot regulations and safety standards. HMM and HMM Ocean Service supported smart ship operations and remote control, with Koseong Engineering responsible for system integration and technical verification.
“This demonstration is a prime example of confirming the applicability of autonomous driving technology within a ship environment,” said Park Min-Woo, President of Hyundai and Kia (translated from Korean).
KR said further work will focus on establishing safety and performance standards for onboard robot applications and conducting additional demonstrations.
“We plan to define various ways to utilise robots within ships, such as cargo area watchkeeping and material transport, alongside related agencies,” said Kim Dae-Heon, Executive Vice President of KR (translated from Korean).
“We will support the expansion of the smart ship ecosystem by establishing safety and performance standards and conducting subsequent demonstrations.”
