Automotive manufacturer Hyundai (HYMLF) is reportedly exploring a strategic partnership with the South Korean army to deploy its ‘small and squat’ robotics for non-combat roles on the front line with North Korea.
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Modern High-Tech Battlefield
According to a Bloomberg report, the South Korean military is hoping that use of robotics will not just take advantage of new AI-powered unmanned technology but also tackle a deepening troop shortage.
The Defense Ministry told Bloomberg that it is discussing cooperation with Hyundai as part of a move to respond to the modern battlefield and develop a “high-tech, science-driven force.”
This follows the successful use of drones and unmanned robots on the frontlines of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the Iran and U.S. conflict.
It is understood that the army wants to use the robots for noncombat roles, including surveillance, reconnaissance and logistics. This would likely be in the demilitarized zone on the border with its foe North Korea. Potential deployments include Boston Dynamics’ four-legged Spot, the four-wheeled ‘small and squat’ MobED mobility droid and wearable platforms like the X-ble Shoulder exoskeleton.
Hyundai has a majority stake in Boston Dynamics.
Huge Hyundai Boost
A military conflict would be a huge boost for Hyundai as it looks to further develop its robotics systems and show that they do not have to be restricted to commercial and industrial use.
Indeed, this defense and security use is becoming increasingly popular around the globe. Estonia’s Milrem Robotics has delivered 15 THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles to Ukraine to support logistics, casualty evacuation and route clearance operations, saving human lives during that conflict. In China, UBTECH’s Walker S2 humanoids are being deployed along its frontier with Vietnam to support patrol, inspection, and logistics operations at the busy transit hub.
“Robotics is a field without legacy constraints,” said Samsung Securities analyst Esther Yim. “Robots can leverage the electric and electronic technologies established in autonomous vehicles, allowing for very rapid proliferation.”
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