Hyundai to show MobED at AW as robotics, AI expand in manufacturing - The Robot Report

Key takeaways

The most recent coverage shows a surge of activity around humanoid robots across both industry and consumer markets. Tesla announced that sales of its Optimus units to external customers will finally begin in 2026, following limited internal deployment in its car‑assembly lines. In parallel, Mercedes‑Benz formalised a partnership with U.S. robotics firm Apptronik in March 2024 and has earmarked a “low double‑digit‑million‑euro” investment for the next few years, with plans to place humanoids in intra‑logistic zones of its factories. Chinese manufacturers are leading in volume: Unitree shipped roughly 90 % of the world’s 13,000 humanoids sold last year and expects 28,000 units in 2026, while Galbot’s G1 and other “Big 5” Chinese makers are showcasing new models at the Automation World Seoul expo and securing multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar funding rounds. The sector, however, is grappling with safety concerns after several high‑profile malfunctions of Unitree models in factories and public events. In the consumer arena, Honor unveiled a working humanoid robot at Mobile World Congress 2026, demonstrating dancing, moonwalking and a back‑flip attempt, and positioning the robot for shopping assistance, workplace inspections and companionship. Hyundai highlighted its four‑wheeled MobED platform—awarded at CES 2026—and indicated that its shipyard HD Hyundai Samho is studying humanoid integration for low‑level tasks with a rollout target of 2027. Finally, industry analysts continue to question the practicality of humanoids for automation, noting that specialised AMRs, cobots and SCARA robots currently offer more reliable, scalable solutions than the complex, high‑center‑of‑gravity designs of humanoid machines.

In addition to Hyundai’s MobED, AW 2026’s Smart Logistics Zone will show innovations in logistics. The zone will be organized around technologies such as robotics, autonomous driving, and other AI-driven systems. AW said the zone will offer insights into the future of logistics operations.

The exhibition will also feature a series of robot-related conferences. On March 4, the China Humanoid Robot Conference will be held in Korea for the first time, featuring leading companies from China. Executives from Unitree, Fourier, Leju, and Huawei will speak about the latest global trends and technological advancements in the robotics industry. AGIBOT, Fourier, and Leju are also scheduled to present live humanoid robot demonstrations. Unveiled in December 2025, MobED, short for “Mobile Eccentric Droid,” has four independently controlled wheels and an “eccentric” mechanism that enables agility and balance across a wide range of terrains, according to Hyundai. The mobile robot is maneuverable in industrial sites and logistics environments and received a “Best of Innovation Award” in the robotics category at CES 2026.

The Seoul-based automaker‘s Robotics Lab has also built wearable systems and service robots for delivery, parking, and safety inspections. In addition, Hyundai is the parent company of humanoid robot developer Boston Dynamics and is working with Waymo on robotaxis.

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