Journalist
Oh Jooseok
farbrother@ajunews.com
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Hyundai Motor Group releases video showcasing unmanned firefighting robot Hyundai Motor Group said it released a video on its YouTube channel on Tuesday introducing unmanned firefighting robot technology it developed with the National Fire Agency. Titled “A Safer Way Home,” the video presents the robot as a next-generation firefighting solution designed to be deployed first at high-risk disaster sites where people may struggle to enter because of collapse risks, extreme heat, explosions, smoke and toxic gases. Hyundai and Kia built the robot in collaboration with Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai Mobis and the National Fire Agency. The video shows the robot responding to a large fire to help reduce casualties and protect firefighters. It features working firefighters from the National 119 Rescue Headquarters, including rescue team leader Lim Pal-sun, who also took part in the narration. In the video, the robot carries out missions using what the company described as physical AI technologies, including an advanced autonomous driving assist system, an AI vision-enhancement camera, a high-pressure photoluminescent reel hose and a 6x6 in-wheel motor system. It also includes footage of the robot’s first on-site deployment, at a factory fire in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, on Feb. 30. The autonomous driving assist system detects terrain and obstacles to reduce collision risks and help the robot move steadily in uneven or narrow, obstacle-dense areas, the company said. It has a top speed of 50 kph (31 mph), about twice a running person’s speed, and can climb slopes such as underground parking garage or logistics warehouse ramps. It can also clear vertical obstacles up to 300 millimeters. The AI vision-enhancement camera is intended to help operators identify hazards in advance through remote-control monitoring. Using cameras based on short- and long-wavelength thermal imaging sensors, the system sends detailed site information in real time, the company said, including in conditions where smoke and high heat limit visibility. The high-pressure photoluminescent reel hose is designed to glow in the dark. Firefighters typically follow a hose to find an entry direction and an exit route in low-visibility disaster scenes; the company said the hose can emit or reflect light to guide evacuation routes and support safer movement for entry teams. Hyundai Mobis’ 6x6 in-wheel motor-based electrified system powers the robot, the company said. With motors mounted on each wheel, it can rotate 360 degrees in place to maneuver in tight spaces and complex access routes. Hyundai said it plans to use machine learning to train on-site data such as smoke levels, fire scale and temperature. Hyundai Motor Group said it plans, together with the National Fire Agency and the National Fire Research Institute, to advance the system into a fully unmanned firefighting robot that can assess conditions on its own, analyze the fire’s origin point and suppression priorities, calculate the most efficient suppression method and extinguish the fire. “An unmanned firefighting robot is technology that enters dangerous scenes before people to protect firefighters’ lives and safety,” a Hyundai Motor Group official said. “We will continue technology development and support so it can be a reliable assistant for the uniformed heroes who protect members of our society and public safety.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-03 10:06:33 -
Hyundai Glovis to Showcase Physical AI Logistics Automation at AW 2026 Hyundai Glovis said Tuesday it will take part in the 2026 Smart Factory and Automation Industry Expo (AW 2026) to showcase its logistics automation capabilities based on physical artificial intelligence. AW 2026, which opens Wednesday at COEX in Seoul’s Gangnam district, is the country’s largest smart factory and automation industry exhibition. Hyundai Glovis will set up a booth in the event’s smart logistics pavilion and present an automated logistics environment that links the full process from inbound receiving and storage to sorting and picking, and outbound shipping. The company will also unveil a pallet shuttle system, equipment in which pallets fitted with transport robots move along fixed rails to manage inbound and outbound handling. The pallet shuttle is controlled through “Orca,” a warehouse control system (WCS) platform co-developed with its subsidiary Altiol. Hyundai Glovis will demonstrate item transfers using autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and robot picking at the show. The booth will also display, for the first time to the general public in South Korea, a non-operational model of Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas. Atlas has been undergoing a proof-of-concept project for parts sequencing at a Hyundai Glovis site within Meta Plant America (HMGMA) since last year. Starting in 2028, Hyundai Glovis plans to deploy it first in processes at HMGMA where safety and quality benefits have been clearly verified, including sequencing work for parts classification. Hyundai Glovis said it plans to pursue business expansion by highlighting the physical AI-based logistics automation capabilities presented at the exhibition. A Hyundai Glovis official said the company will focus on early-stage research and strengthening its logistics automation competitiveness to respond quickly to rapid changes in the logistics environment driven by advanced technologies such as physical AI.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-03 09:25:44 -
Why Helicopters Still Matter in the Drone Age Army forces cannot do without helicopters. They are a core means of moving airborne troops and are effective at suppressing armored threats that endanger infantry. Helicopters gained prominence after the Vietnam War, when armed UH-1s carrying machine guns and rockets helped make rotorcraft a main Army combat platform. U.S. attack helicopters such as the Apache later earned the nickname “tank killer.” Since the Russia-Ukraine war, helicopter units have faced a new challenge as low-cost drones have shown they can strike tanks and armored vehicles and reshape the battlefield. Some argue drones now offer better value than expensive attack helicopters. This article looks at South Korea’s helicopter fleet and where it may be headed. ◆South Korea’s main helicopters: Surion and Mireon The Army’s helicopter force centers on two domestically developed aircraft: the Surion (KUH-1) transport helicopter and the Mireon (LAH) light armed helicopter. The Mireon, which began entering Army service in 2024, carries a 20mm cannon, air-to-ground guided missiles and unguided rockets. The two-seat aircraft is designed for mobility and attack missions, including close air support and troop cover. It uses a modern fire-control system based on the Airbus Helicopters H155 platform. The Surion is built for transport. Developed to replace aging 500MD light attack helicopters and UH-1H utility helicopters, it is South Korea’s first indigenous medium utility helicopter. It can carry 13 troops and is fitted with a 7.62mm machine gun. Delivered to the Army since 2012, more than 200 are now in operation. Korea Aerospace Industries, the main producer of the Surion and Mireon, has focused on rotorcraft. According to filings with the Financial Supervisory Service’s electronic disclosure system, KAI’s rotorcraft revenue as of the third quarter of last year totaled 269.544 billion won, or 12.3% of total sales. In 2024, the Surion was exported to Iraq, and the company is seeking to expand overseas, including by joining a bid this year for an attack-helicopter program in Bangladesh. ◆Debate over helicopter relevance As drones have risen in the Russia-Ukraine war, the helicopter industry has entered a transition. Low-cost first-person-view, or FPV, drones with forward cameras can inflict significant damage on infantry and armored forces. They can be used in swarms and are seen as cost-effective, and the Army is putting more emphasis on training drone specialists. With drones emerging as a key capability, some in South Korea have questioned whether helicopters are still needed. Industry officials say drones may affect the market but cannot fully replace helicopter missions. “Drones are cost-effective, but because they rely on communications, they are vulnerable to electronic attacks such as electromagnetic pulses,” one official said. “Helicopters have the advantage in complex missions such as troop transport, air assault, and battlefield command and control.” The United States, a leading defense producer, has not stopped modernizing helicopters. It is upgrading the Apache and Black Hawk while testing cockpit automation and unmanned operations. The V-280 Valor, being developed by Lockheed Martin and Bell, is drawing attention as a next-generation U.S. Army aircraft. It uses a tiltrotor design, taking off like a helicopter and then tilting its rotors forward in cruise so fixed wings provide lift. Analysts also say South Korea should expand manned-unmanned teaming, or MUM-T, to strengthen its helicopter force. At a National Assembly seminar on Feb. 24 titled “The Future of Attack Helicopters and Drones,” participants cited results showing that operating attack helicopters (Apache) in a MUM-T concept produced 91% enemy lethality and 83% friendly survivability, compared with 56% and 54% when operated alone. Jang Won-jun, a professor in the Department of Advanced Defense Industry Studies at Jeonbuk National University, said the right direction is to move beyond operating manned helicopters alone and combine them with unmanned aircraft. Considering troop reductions and challenges in securing specialized personnel, he said, a phased shift toward unmanned operations is needed. 2026-02-27 16:42:25 -
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Named 2026 Korea Car of the Year by Auto Journalists Group The Korea Automobile Journalists Association said on the 26th that Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 has been selected as the 2026 Korea Car of the Year. The Ioniq 9 earned an overall satisfaction score of 82.30 out of 100 in the final judging for the 2026 Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY), held on the 5th at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority’s Automobile Safety Research Institute in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, the association said. A total of 18 models from 10 brands competed in the final round: Kia, Land Rover, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, Audi, KG Mobility, Peugeot and Hyundai Motor Co. (listed in Korean alphabetical order by brand). Judges evaluated vehicles across 10 criteria: exterior design; interior and perceived quality; ease of instrument operation; handling and driving feel; acceleration; noise and vibration; high-speed stability and braking; safety and convenience features; fuel economy and maintenance; and price and purchase intent. The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV built on the E-GMP dedicated EV platform. The association said it offers class-leading interior space and a 110.3 kWh battery, with a maximum range of 532 kilometers on a single charge. It was also named SUV of the Year and EV of the Year. Renault’s Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric was chosen as Import Car of the Year with an overall satisfaction score of 70.07 out of 100. The association described it as a model based on a dedicated EV platform and noted it won the 2024 European Car of the Year at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. Kia’s PV5 won Utility of the Year and Innovation of the Year. The association said the PV5 offers multiple lineups, including passenger and cargo versions, aimed at tailored mobility for business and leisure needs. Peugeot’s All-New 3008 Smart Hybrid was selected as Design of the Year. The association said it is a full model change introduced to the domestic market for the first time in eight years and received high marks from the panel. Mercedes-AMG GT received the Performance of the Year award. The association said it uses an F1-inspired P3 hybrid system and can accelerate from a standstill to 100 kph in 2.8 seconds. Jeong Chi-yeon, chair of the selection committee, said winners were chosen after rigorous testing and verification using key tracks at the Automobile Safety Research Institute, including a high-speed circuit and steering performance course. “I offer my sincere congratulations to the brands that rose to the top in each category amid fierce competition,” Jeong said. The 2026 K-COTY awards ceremony was held that evening at the Sebitseom Convention Hall in Banpo, Seoul, with attendees including government officials, related agencies, auto industry representatives, and association executives and members.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 18:03:40 -
42dot CEO Park Min-woo Vows to Help Hyundai Motor Group Lead Mobility Industry Park Min-woo, the newly appointed head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) division and CEO of 42dot, moved to strengthen internal cohesion and communication with employees. At an all-hands meeting with 42dot staff on the morning of the 26th at the company’s Pangyo headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Park said he would help Hyundai Motor Group “establish itself as a leading company in the mobility industry” by building on 42dot’s potential. Park was also reported to have outlined the company’s direction, stressing technology development from the customer’s perspective and creating synergies through closer cooperation with Hyundai Motor Group’s AVP division. He also handed out rice cakes and “Dujjonku,” described as Dubai-style chewy cookies, as commemorative gifts to employees. Park, an autonomous driving technology specialist who previously worked at Nvidia and Tesla, is seen as a key figure to drive Hyundai Motor Group’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) and physical AI strategies. While at Tesla, he took part in developing Autopilot, the company’s driver-assistance software. At Nvidia, he was considered one of a small number of executives who communicated directly with CEO Jensen Huang.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 16:34:58 -
Korean Air, UK’s Skyports to Co-Develop eVTOL Integrated Operations Platform Korean Air said on the 26th it has partnered with UK advanced air mobility infrastructure firm Skyports Infrastructure to jointly develop an integrated operations platform for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, for urban air mobility. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding that afternoon at the Drone Show Korea (DSK) 2026 event at BEXCO in Busan, the airline said. Attendees at the signing included Kim Gyeong-nam, head of Korean Air’s Aircraft Technology Research Institute, and Ankit Das, Skyports’ chief technology officer, among other officials. eVTOL aircraft use electric power to take off and land vertically without a runway. Korean Air said they are considered suitable for future air transport, including urban operations, because they are more than 100 times quieter than helicopters. Under the partnership, the companies plan to combine Korean Air’s integrated control system, ACROSS — specialized in flight and traffic management for advanced air mobility — with Skyports’ VAS, which focuses on vertiport operations. They aim to develop a platform that oversees the full process, from a passenger’s arrival at a vertiport through boarding, arrival at the destination and passing through security screening. A Korean Air official said smooth service delivery is becoming increasingly important for advanced air mobility and other low-altitude air traffic management, adding that cooperation with Skyports, described as a global leader in vertiport design and operations, is significant. 2026-02-26 15:27:17 -
Volkswagen Group Korea CEO Till Scheer Reappointed as Importers Association Chair for Third Term Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) said it held its general meeting on Feb. 26 at the Westin Josun Hotel and appointed Till Scheer, CEO and president of Volkswagen Group Korea, as its 17th chair. Scheer, who has led the association since 2022 after joining Volkswagen Group Korea as group president in 2021, will serve a third consecutive term following his 15th and 16th terms. During his tenure, KAIDA said Scheer focused on cooperation with the South Korean government and related organizations at home and abroad as the market shifts toward eco-friendly vehicles and future mobility. The association also said it expanded regular policy seminars, strengthened its English translation work on increasingly complex regulations tied to technological advances, and bolstered its role as an information provider by building an industry database. KAIDA said that last year, marking the association’s 30th anniversary, new registrations of imported passenger cars reached 300,000 units. Scheer said he will strengthen external cooperation and communication and, together with the newly appointed board, work to promote the development and innovation of South Korea’s auto industry and expand diversity. 2026-02-26 11:48:07 -
BMW Motorrad to Sell 15-Unit Limited R 12 S Special Edition in South Korea BMW Motorrad said it will sell just 15 units of the BMW R 12 S Special Edition in South Korea through the BMW Motorrad Shop online store starting at 2 p.m. on the 26th. The R 12 S was previously released in limited numbers in April last year to mark the 30th anniversary of BMW Group Korea. The entire allotment sold out within a week. BMW Motorrad decided to bring it back in a 15-unit run after continued purchase inquiries. The model reinterprets the heritage of the legendary 1973 BMW R 90 S sport motorcycle. The R 90 S was BMW’s first mass-produced motorcycle to exceed 200 kph (124 mph). BMW said the R 12 S revives signature R 90 S design cues, including a cockpit fairing mounted to the handlebar, a dark-tinted windscreen and a short seat highlighted by orange stitching. It also debuts “Lava Orange Metallic,” a modern take on the R 90 S signature Daytona Orange. Brushed aluminum on the fuel tank and seat hump, a red double coach line and a dedicated R 12 S badge on the side cover further emphasize the heritage styling. Power comes from an air/oil-cooled 1,170cc two-cylinder boxer engine rated at 109 horsepower and 11.7 kg·m (115 Nm) of torque. BMW said it reaches 100 kph (62 mph) from a standstill in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 200 kph (124 mph). The bike uses a lightweight trellis frame, with a 45mm inverted telescopic fork up front and a Paralever swingarm with spring strut in the rear. Front and rear suspension allow preload and damping adjustment. It also comes with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for stable braking, the company said. Standard features include hill start control, Shift Assistant Pro, heated grips, cruise control and “Headlight Pro” with adaptive cornering. Other equipment includes dual round analog gauges, ConnectedRide Control, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPC) and an anti-theft alarm (DWA). The R 12 S is priced at 33.10 million won in South Korea, including value-added tax.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 11:15:51 -
Audi Korea Names KCC Auto Group as New Authorized Dealer Audi Korea said on Wednesday it has finalized the selection of KCC Auto Group as a new authorized dealer. Starting March 1, KCC Auto Group will operate showrooms in Songpa, Hanam and West Daegu, along with an Audi Approved Plus (AAP) certified used-car showroom in Gimpo. It will also run service centers in Gangdong, Songpa and West Daegu. Audi Korea said the showrooms and service centers will continue operating as they have, allowing customers to consult on purchases and receive after-sales service without any separate procedural changes or service interruptions. KCC Auto Group has operated showrooms and service centers in South Korea’s imported-car market and plans to run the sites in line with Audi’s brand standards. “Audi Korea will strengthen customer-focused service through cooperation with our nationwide dealer network and provide a stable, consistent brand experience,” the company said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 10:54:20 -
Hyundai Marks Chung Ju-yung’s 25th Anniversary With Tribute Concert in Seoul Hyundai Motor Group marked the 25th anniversary of the death of founder Chung Ju-yung with a memorial concert that highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit through music. The group said it held the “25th Anniversary Concert for the Late Asan Chung Ju-yung, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Group” on Feb. 25 at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center. In a tribute, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun said the event was prepared to honor the lasting “resonance” left by his grandfather. “His convictions and every challenge began with people,” Chung said. “He believed in human potential and achieved innovation for people.” Chung said that while 25 years have passed, the message feels stronger as the group and society face “many difficulties and challenges at home and abroad.” He added, “I will continue to carry on my grandfather’s spirit to build a better future,” pledging to keep pursuing people-centered innovation. About 2,500 people attended, including members of the extended Hyundai family as well as figures from business, politics and culture, the group said. Among those arriving before the program began were HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Hyundai Commercial President Chung Myung-yi and Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young. Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation, briefly told reporters, “Thank you for coming today. My father would also be grateful that you came.” Attendees also included Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin; Hong Ra-hee, former director of the Leeum Museum of Art; National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik; Kim Jong-in, former interim leader of the People Power Party; and lawmaker Na Kyung-won. Actor Yoo Hae-jin and other figures from the arts and entertainment world were also seen. Chung Ju-yung is widely regarded as a leading business figure who helped open new ground in South Korea’s industrial development through bold vision, determination and innovation focused on people. Born the eldest son of a poor farmer, he built his business from nothing, repeatedly taking on challenges that seemed impossible, the group said. The name “Hyundai,” meaning “modern,” reflects Chung’s entrepreneurial drive in the 1940s, when Korea was poor, to pursue modernization so people could live better, the group said. The concert was held under the theme “Continuing Resonance.” Pianists Kim Sunwook, Sunwoo Yekwon, Cho Seong-jin and Lim Yunchan performed, with the program intended to express in music Chung Ju-yung’s achievements in challenging the impossible and the hope those efforts offer to today’s generation. Park Min-seon, 31, of Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, said it was “even more meaningful” because it is rare for four pianists to share one stage. “The repertoire also felt meaningful,” she said. Hyundai Motor Group said it planned the concert to share the founder’s life and philosophy of forging new paths for a better life. To keep the focus on the event’s purpose, tickets were not sold; admission was limited to invited guests, including public-service workers, future talent, key figures from various fields and Hyundai employees, the group said. Attendees received a gift set that included Chung’s autobiography, “Born in This Land,” and an event booklet. A Hyundai Motor Group official said the group’s vision of “Progress for Humanity” is rooted in the founder’s people-centered management philosophy, adding that the company will continue efforts for a more prosperous life and a sustainable future through ongoing innovation. 2026-02-26 10:15:29