The Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) has begun deploying Hyundai Rotem’s new multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle (MPUGV) after a six-month trial in the country’s frontline border areas. The six-wheeled unmanned vehicles are equipped with cameras that can detect images up to 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) away in real-time. Equipped with day-and-night cameras that provide real-time images to the operator, the MPUGVs come with various modes for unmanned driving, including leader-follower, remote driving, and autonomous driving along a pre-designated route. Two MPUGVs have been delivered through the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
They travel up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) per hour. The battery-powered vehicles have also been equipped with an RWS and feature a loading box in the back, capable of carrying more than 200kg of cargo, or of transporting patients in case of an emergency. Each of the wheels, which feature airless tyres, is equipped with an in-wheel electric motor that powers each of them independently. Each of the wheels, which feature airless tyres, is equipped with an in-wheel electric motor that powers each of them independently.All six wheels of the multi-purpose UGVs have an in-wheel motor, ideal for reconnaissance in rough coastal and border areas.
Developed by Hyundai Rotem, they also feature a remote-controlled weapon station and a loading box capable of carrying more than 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of cargo. No details were provided about the MPUGV’s dimensions, but these are believed to be similar to those of the HR-Sherpa. 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.
Hyundai Rotem has been selected for a separate military project to develop technologies that can remotely operate unmanned mobile combat systems. Their company defense systems division representing Korea’s ground weapon systems has contributed to the timely deployment of the latest ground weapon systems over the past 40 years. DAPA has pushed for the introduction of various unmanned vehicles. 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.
