Hyundai Motor Company has secured the Highest Innovation Award in the Robotics category at CES 2026 for its next-generation autonomous mobility platform, the Mobile Eccentric Droid, or MobED. The announcement, made in Las Vegas on January 4, marks a significant milestone for the South Korean automaker, as this represents the first time the company has received the top-tier innovation prize since it began participating in the global technology event.
The MobED platform stands out for its unique four-wheeled design that allows for stability far beyond the capabilities of traditional indoor service robots. With a body measuring 74 centimeters in width and 115 centimeters in length, the robot uses advanced posture control to navigate difficult terrain. It is capable of overcoming 20-centimeter curbs, steep slopes, and speed bumps by adjusting its wheelbase and the tilt of its body to maintain a level center of gravity. This versatility allows MobED to operate effectively in outdoor environments where flatter-surface robots typically fail.
Designed with modularity in mind, the droid can be adapted for a wide range of functions including delivery, security patrol, and mobile research. The platform can carry loads between 47 and 57 kilograms and reach a maximum speed of 10 kilometers per hour. With a single charge providing over four hours of operation, Hyundai anticipates the technology will eventually scale into a one-person mobility solution that bridges the gap between robotics and traditional automotive transport.
The Consumer Technology Association, which organizes CES, awards the Highest Innovation honor to the entry with the top score in each category based on design, technology, and overall innovation. Hyundai first unveiled the mass-production version of MobED at the Japan International Robot Exhibition last December, following three years of intensive development after the initial concept was teased in 2022.
The product lineup is divided into two segments: the Basic model, intended as a research tool for software development, and the Pro model, which comes equipped with integrated autonomous driving technology. The Pro version utilizes sophisticated AI algorithms and a sensor suite that combines LiDAR with high-resolution cameras to navigate complex environments. Hyundai Motor intends to begin mass production of the MobED platform during the first quarter of this year, with official pricing expected to be announced at the time of its commercial release.
