The world's first autonomous robot that can move around the turbulent deck of a ship

The maritime industry is facing a new milestone in automation. Hyundai Motor Group has successfully demonstrated the operation of its autonomous robot MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid) aboard the multi-purpose ship HYUNDAI DUBAI in South Korea. The test demonstrated that the land-based robot can operate reliably even in an environment characterized by constant vibration, movement and uneven surfaces.

The trial was conducted in collaboration with Korean Register, HMM, HMM Ocean Service and Goseong Engineering in Changwon. The main purpose of the project is to develop smart ship technologies, using robots to monitor conditions, inspect closed or toxic cargo spaces, and transport materials in areas that pose a risk to seafarers.

During the tests, the robot successfully performed a range of tasks, such as driving on a straight line and in curves, moving at low and high speeds, learning the path and fully autonomous control. The main advantage of the device is the independently controlled wheel system, based on its own Drive and Lift (DnL) technology. This system automatically adjusts the height of each wheel and maintains a flat surface even when driving over steep slopes or thresholds. In extremely narrow passages, the robot operators switched to manual remote control, which indicates that full autonomy in all conditions still requires some improvements.

The platform was first introduced in December 2025 and is designed for industrial and everyday use. There are two versions available. The Basic version allows remote control and a load capacity of up to 47 kilograms, while the more advanced Pro model supports a load of up to 57 kilograms, reaches speeds of up to 10 km/h and uses LiDAR sensors, cameras and artificial intelligence for autonomous obstacle avoidance and user tracking.

Despite the promising results, it is still early days for the robots to be used at sea. Salt water, rolling waves and unpredictable weather conditions remain a major challenge for sensitive electronics. However, the partners emphasize that the test demonstrated the robot's operation without any modifications to the existing ship infrastructure.