Hyundai Motor Company has secured three honours at the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2026 competition, with its MobED modular robot concepts earning a Best of the Best award and a Luminary nomination, one of design’s highest global distinctions.
The Concept THREE compact electric vehicle and the CRATER Concept off-road electric SUV each secured Winner titles, giving Hyundai three recognitions in this year’s competition, which is organised by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany and ranks among the world’s top three design accolades.
Modular robotics platform stands out
MobED, developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s Robotics LAB, is a mobility robot platform built for adaptability across different use cases. Its Urban Hopper variant operates as a personal mobility device akin to an electric scooter, while the Golf variant functions as an autonomous caddie. An eccentric posture control mechanism allows MobED to maintain a level stance over uneven terrain, slopes and curbs up to 20cm high, with mounting-rail compatibility letting the same base platform support multiple use cases rather than requiring separate dedicated robots.
Compact EV and off-road concepts also win
Concept THREE, the smallest model in Hyundai’s IONIQ lineup, introduces a new Aero Hatch body style balancing aerodynamic efficiency with interior space, alongside pixel lighting elements designed to function as a communication interface between vehicle and user. The CRATER Concept, an off-road EV, uses hexagonal wheels, wide fenders and roll cage-inspired interior structures aimed at durability in rugged conditions.
“This award is the result of the company’s design philosophy and inspiration for the future coming together. We will continue to break the mold with our designs to deliver differentiated value and innovate new customer experiences,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai & Genesis Global Design.
Only up to five Best of the Best winners are nominated for the Luminary award each year, with the overall winner announced at a ceremony in October.
