Hyundai, Kia to join 6 research institutes to develop mobility solutions for the Moon

Hyundai and Kia announced yesterday that they have signed joint research agreements with six Korean research institutes to develop mobility solutions to explore the surface of the moon. The announcement follows Korea’s successful launch of a domestically produced rocket in June.

The signing ceremony held in Korea was attended by Chung Kook Park, President and Head of R&D Division of Hyundai Motor and Kia as well as top officials from the six research institutes: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI); Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI); Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI); Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH); Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT); and Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI).

“We have taken the first step towards transforming our vision for robotics and the concept of Metamobility into reality. We will expand the scope of human movement experience beyond traditional means of transport and beyond the bounds of Earth to further contribute to the progress of humankind and help create a better future,” said Hyundai and Kia Executive Vice President and Head of R&D Planning and Coordination Center Yong Wha Kim.

Collaboration between the involved parties is expected to commence this August. Hyundai Motor and Kia will support the consultative body with their smart mobility technologies.

The South Korean car brands also formed an internal consultative body with key personnel for the development and operation of lunar surface mobility. Hyundai and Kia will also collaborate on software and hardware design and interpretation, space environment response technology, and special equipment for conducting lunar exploration missions.

Photos from Kia

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