Future mobility technologies, ranging from autonomous vehicles to artificial intelligence (AI) robots, were on display in Daegu as the '2026 Korea Future Mobility Expo' opened on October 21.
Themed 'AI: Beyond Technology to Everyday Life,' the event featured a variety of future mobility technologies, including commercial autonomous trucks and AI-powered robots. This year's showcase represents an evolution from last year's slogan, 'The Future Has Already Begun, All on AI.'
Major automotive manufacturers, including Hyundai Motor, KG Mobility (KGM), Mercedes-Benz, BYD, and ZK, as well as robotics companies like HD Hyundai Robotics and Doosan Robotics, participated, each presenting their advanced technologies and new products.
At the Hyundai booth, the new Grandeur, equipped with the autonomous driving AI technology 'Atria AI,' was displayed. Nearby, Hyundai Rotem showcased an unmanned firefighting robot developed by modifying its multipurpose unmanned vehicle, 'Sherpa.' This robot is designed to assist in firefighting operations in areas that are difficult for firefighters to access.
Park Joo-hyun, a manager at Hyundai Rotem, stated, 'As this event also features robotics, we are showcasing the unmanned firefighting robot that has begun to be deployed in domestic fire departments. We are actively pursuing domestic projects.'
This year's expo prominently featured autonomous trucks. RideFlux received the first domestic permit for autonomous freight transport, allowing it to transport actual customer cargo. MasAuto is developing an autonomous truck utilizing camera-based AI technology, aiming for application and commercialization in logistics.
Continuing from last year, the robotics exhibition was a highlight. HD Hyundai Robotics displayed a dual-arm robot capable of performing tasks like a human. Doosan Robotics introduced 'Scan&Go,' which won the Best Innovation Award at CES 2026, the world's largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition. Aerobot attracted attention with a robot walking on a treadmill.
SL, an automotive parts company based in Daegu, showcased its self-developed autonomous mobile robot (AMR). This robot combines core components such as batteries and 3D LiDAR, and is currently used for logistics automation, including transporting parts within its factory.
Bae Seong-guk, head of SL Robotics Lab, noted, 'Currently, we are using it in our factory to automatically transport items that workers previously carried. As the technology stabilizes, we are considering external supply, and we are establishing separate trading channels for core components like LiDAR and batteries.'
The expo also featured keynote speeches discussing the future direction of the mobility industry. Professor Cho Gyu-jin from Seoul National University presented on robotics, while Brian McMurray, head of GM Technical Center Korea, spoke about the future of the mobility industry.
McMurray stated, 'In ten years, vehicles will be equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving technology, enabling smooth movement through vehicle-to-vehicle communication. AI will reduce travel time, allowing people to spend more time with their families.'
On the same day, the Korea Automobile Journalists Association, in collaboration with the Intelligent Automotive Parts Promotion Institute, held a symposium on 'Logistics Innovation on the Road: Conditions for the Commercialization of Autonomous Freight Transport.' The symposium featured discussions on the challenges of advancing autonomous freight transport from the demonstration phase to commercialization, with participants including Jo Sang-woo from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Hwang Bong-ha from Hyundai's Commercial & LCV Business Strategy Team, Lim Jong-cheol from RideFlux, and Jo Kwang-rae from MasAuto.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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