Hyundai Rotem's unmanned vehicle ”HR-Sherpa” is intended for use in security, reconnaissance, escort, etc. - South Korean media

Hyundai Rotem is focusing on research and development of unmanned systems such as the HR-Sherpa in addition to manned systems, aiming to follow in the footsteps of the success of the K2 tank export.
In particular, the plan is to secure technological capabilities that integrate the 4th industry and strengthen the competitiveness of unmanned networks. To this end, Hyundai Rotem has been working on outdoor fire suppression since 2005 under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
He developed robots and participated in the research and development of the National Institute for Defense Science's autonomous driving experimental vehicle, laying the foundation for the development of unmanned vehicles. In 2011, he participated in the research and development of the National Institute for Defense Science's unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance experimental platform
Hyundai Rotem has been researching and developing unmanned vehicles since 2007. The representative unmanned vehicle developed by Hyundai Rotem is the electric drive HR-Sherpa.
The HR-Sherpa is equipped with a 6-wheel drive system and has excellent maneuverability, including 360-degree fixed-position rotation.
Equipped with airless tires, it can continue to perform its missions without worrying about punctures. In particular, the HR-Sherpa is used for guarding and security, surveillance and reconnaissance, transporting supplies and patients, and handling explosives and hazardous materials.
Depending on what equipment it is equipped with, it can be used for multiple purposes, such as handling, detection, and special missions. It also has remote driving capabilities and autonomous driving capabilities, such as following the vehicle in front.
These are the characteristics of the HR-Sherpa. Based on these technological capabilities, the company was awarded the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's Multipurpose Unmanned Vehicle Rapid Test Acquisition Project in 2020. The multipurpose unmanned vehicle is Korea's first military unmanned vehicle, and is designed to be used at long range.
The model is based on the HR-Sherpa and has been upgraded with features such as a remote control weapon system (RCWS). Hyundai Rotem has delivered two multipurpose unmanned vehicles to the South Korean military for use on the front lines and in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Hyundai Rotem has been recognized for its technological capabilities and reliability through field test operations in the U.S. and other locations. In addition, Hyundai Rotem will be holding a joint demonstration event with Hyundai Motors on the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) jointly developed with the company at Seoul ADEX 2023, held in October 2023.
Hyundai Rotem has unveiled its concept car, the U-POD. The U-POD is a vehicle that extends the cutting-edge technology used in Hyundai Rotem's multipurpose unmanned vehicles to the civilian sector, and is designed to be used in cutting-edge distribution and logistics.
It is optimized for logistics systems. It can load cargo and move and unload cargo in conjunction with the digital twin management system. It can be used not only for distribution and logistics, but also for food trucks depending on the purpose.
It is expected to be used for various civilian purposes, such as racks and waste collection vehicles. In addition, the Defense Industry Technology Support Center of the National Institute for Defense Studies will develop a mobile combat system in 2020.
The company is focusing on developing the technological competitiveness of its unmanned systems division, receiving orders for the development of unmanned systems and remote unmanned technology.