Hyundai Motor Company won three awards at the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2026 competition. Hyundai Motor’s MobED Urban Hopper and Golf modular robot prototypes won the Best of the Best award and were nominated for the Luminary Award, while the compact electric vehicle (EV) Concept THREE and the off-road electric SUV CRATER Concept were named Winners. Only up to five “Best of the Best” winners are nominated for the Luminary Award, with the winner to be announced at a special ceremony this coming October.
This international recognition underscores the world-class design, technological excellence, and reputation of an innovative industry. “This award is the result of our design philosophy and our inspiration for the future, which drives us to deliver differentiated value and innovate in our customers’ experiences,” said the Executive Vice President and Head of Global Design for Hyundai & Genesis.
What Makes the MobED Urban Hopper and Golf Stand Out in Robotics?
The MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid), developed by the Hyundai Motor Group’s Robotics Lab, is a next-generation mobility robot platform designed for advanced adaptability and scalability. Winning the Best of the Best award and a nomination for the Luminary Award, the MobED Urban Hopper and Golf prototypes showcase the capabilities of this modular platform.
Equipped with an innovative Drive-and-Lift (DnL) unit and a cam-based stance control mechanism, the MobED maintains a perfectly level position over uneven terrain, sloped surfaces, and curbs up to 20 centimeters high.
- The MobED Urban Hopper functions as a personal mobility device similar to an electric scooter, optimized for seamless and stable urban travel.
- The MobED Golf functions as an autonomous golf caddy, offering a comfortable hands-free experience on the course.
Thanks to their compatibility with mounting rails, these high-tech units demonstrate that consumers do not need separate, specialized robots for different tasks.
How Does the Concept THREE Redefine Urban Mobility?
The winning Concept THREE showcases Hyundai Motor’s vision for next-generation compact electric mobility, perfectly balancing aerodynamic performance, emotional appeal, and usability. As the smallest model in the IONIQ lineup, this EV introduces new Aero Hatch features that combine compact dimensions, maximized interior space, and sporty proportions.
The exterior reinterprets Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design language in a softer, more approachable way.
Inside, the Concept THREE features a human-centered layout with key controls positioned around the steering wheel to ensure driver focus and safety. Soft upholstery surfaces and sustainable materials support efficient electric mobility.
How is the CRATER Concept built for off-road exploration?
The CRATER Concept is a rugged off-road EV designed to offer confidence, control, and comfort in unpredictable environments. Combining engineering excellence, functional ease, and emotive design, the CRATER Concept transforms the off-road EV into a reliable companion and explorer.
The interior of the CRATER Concept is built for durability. The body-hugging seats provide ergonomic support. Discreet lighting enhances the clarity of the space without being distracting, and the Hyundai AddGear system allows for deep customization to suit different lifestyles.