Hyundai takes next steps for AI-defined vehicles

HYUNDAI Motor Group has officially launched its Next Urban Mobility Alliance (NUMA) this week, a public-private partnership initiative it says will transform urban transportation environments through advanced mobility technologies.

Hyundai says NUMA aims to address social and environmental challenges by fostering inclusive mobility innovation and accelerating the transition to smart cities, redefining mobility through artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Built on an open alliance model, NUMA welcomes ongoing participation from diverse sectors to co-develop a cloud-based mobility ecosystem

Hyundai says the alliance is structured around a three-phase roadmap that begins by using AI to transform local transportation systems before deploying autonomous vehicles as a service, and finally expanding AI mobility to “ensure smart city development”.

NUMA will essentially serve as a platform for technology demonstrations, policy alignment and cross-sector collaboration to advance the mobility transformation. The alliance currently includes 31 participating organisations spanning government agencies, private sector companies, and academic and research institutions.

Hyundai showcased several inclusive mobility prototypes at the launch event, including AI-powered transport solutions, nano mobility devices and universal design vehicles tailored to the needs of people with limited mobility due to age, disability or social conditions.

“Autonomous driving and AI represent a powerful shift that will reshape our everyday life,” said Hyundai Motor Group president and head of Advanced Vehicle Platform Chang Song.

“As a founding partner, Hyundai Motor Group is committed to realising inclusive mobility through technology – connecting communities and improving access for those with limited transportation options – and further driving a global mobility transformation in more cities around the world.”

The Korean manufacturing giant says its prototype vehicles and participation in NUMA reinforce its commitment to software-defined mobility, saying it has laid the framework for SDV mass production in readiness for an industry-wide move toward robust, software-centric mobility.