Hyundai Rotem, a subsidiary of South Koreas Hyundai auto group, has delivered two Multi-purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicles (MPUGVs) that weigh two tons and are capable of carrying supplies, searching battlefields and evacuating patients. Two MPUGVs have been delivered through the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), a state arms procurement agency controlled by the defense ministry. DAPA has pushed for the introduction of various unmanned vehicles. It is the first unmanned vehicle to be introduced by South Korean troops.
Hyundai Rotem’s UGV is based on HR-Sherpa, a six-wheeled model that features an electric drive system, a 360-degree rotation function, a skid steering system and airless tires for rough driving. HR-Sherpa, which is 2.4 meters long, can run at a maximum speed of 30 kilometers (18 miles) per hour. With day and night cameras, driving and surveillance images can be checked in real-time through separate monitors from a long distance. Unmanned driving capabilities support various modes such as follow-up, remote driving, and the autonomous driving of route points.
The upper front of the six-wheeled UGV is equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station, which allows remote attacks and self-defense missions, and its back has a loading box capable of carrying more than 200 kilograms of cargo or transporting patients in case of an emergency. All six wheels are equipped with an in-wheel motor, allowing each wheel to exert independent driving power. Each of the wheels, which feature airless tyres, is equipped with an in-wheel electric motor that powers each of them independently.
Hyundai Rotem has been selected for a separate military project to develop technologies that can remotely operate unmanned mobile combat systems. Their company defense Ssystems division representing Korea’s ground weapon systems has contributed to timely deployment of the latest ground weapon systems over the past 40 years. Hyundai Rotem is a South Korean company manufacturing rolling stock, defense products and plant equipment. It is part of the Hyundai Motor Group. Its name was changed to the current one from Rotem in December 2007 to reflect its parent company.
