HD Hyundai Robotics Launches Three New 'HDC Series' High-Payload Hybrid Collaborative Robots Powered by Physical AI -- Expanding into the Heavy-Duty Cobot Market with Payloads up to 50 kg
2026-07-01 08:42:35Simultaneous launch of 25 kg, 35 kg, and 50 kg payload models strengthens high-payload cobot competitiveness
Targeting heavy-duty automation applications such as palletizing and machine tending
World's first Radar-based collision prevention technology delivers both safety and productivity
HD Hyundai Robotics has launched three new high-payload collaborative robots under its 'HDC Series', applying Physical AI technology to accelerate its expansion into the heavy-duty cobot market.
The company announced on July 1 the official release of three new collaborative robots -- HDC 50-17, HDC 35-18, and HDC 25-18.
The new lineup, offering payloads of up to 50 kg, significantly broadens the application scope of conventional collaborative robots.
The HDC Series is a "hybrid concept" product that combines the safety of collaborative robots with the performance of industrial robots.
With a maximum speed of 5.9 m/s and a working radius of up to 1,880 mm, the series is capable of handling large-scale processes while maintaining high durability for long-term operation in demanding industrial environments.
Built for Heavy-Duty Industrial Applications
The HDC Series is clearly differentiated from conventional cobots in terms of application. Optimized for palletizing, machine tending, and handling,
it is purpose-built for heavy-duty tasks such as large box handling, palletized load transport, and the transfer of heavy workpieces -- making it readily deployable in core industrial processes.
In particular, the series is expected to address heavy-workpiece applications in automotive, battery, and logistics industries, where collaborative robot adoption has traditionally been limited.
This launch reflects the broader market shift in which collaborative robots are evolving beyond light-duty, precision-focused tasks to become core production equipment in real industrial environments.
Physical AI-Based Safety with Radar Sensing
The HDC Series incorporates the Physical AI concept into its safety architecture. Using Radar-based sensing technology, the robot recognizes workers and the surrounding environment in real time and autonomously adjusts its operating speed based on this information.
Depending on the workspace conditions and the worker's position, the robot automatically switches between high-speed and safety modes.
The system is further reinforced by 'SafeSpace 2.0', HD Hyundai Robotics' next-generation in-house control solution, which continuously monitors the robot's status and proactively manages potential risks.
A Next-Generation Cobot Combining Industrial Performance and Collaborative Safety
The HDC lineup is recognized as a next-generation collaborative robot that delivers industrial-grade high-speed, high-strength performance while ensuring safe coexistence with human workers in collaborative environments.
A spokesperson from HD Hyundai Robotics commented, "The HDC Series is a high-performance collaborative robot that leverages Physical AI to perceive its working environment and autonomously optimize its operations. As demand for heavy-duty automation continues to grow, we expect the HDC Series to establish itself as a core solution across a wide range of industrial sites."