Be it design, engineering or technology, the auto industry is in a state of constant evolution. Automakers worldwide are introducing groundbreaking technologies that have never been heard of or seen before.
One such technology is the e-Corner System demonstrated by Hyundai Mobis in a video. The system allows each of the car wheels to turn perpendicularly inwards or outwards, making sideway manoeuvres effortless. This unique innovation is generating buzz on the internet as the Hyundai Crab Driving feature.
Here, we will discuss more about this new form of advanced driver assistance technology.
More About Hyundai Crab Driving and Other e-Corner System Features
The accessories and parts division of the South Korean automaker, Hyundai Mobis unveiled the crab walk functionality. It was demonstrated alongside other noteworthy Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features of the brand’s experimental e-Corner System. The innovative technology was installed and displayed on a Hyundai Ioniq 5 prototype.
Benefits of Crab Driving
Hyundai’s Crab Driving is part of the e-Corner system, which is a module that combines brake-by-wire, steer-by-wire, and in-wheel motors for each wheel. This allows the wheels to turn up to 90 degrees, either together or independently. Crab Driving has a number of potential benefits, including:
- Making parallel parking easier and more efficient.
- Helping cars to navigate tight spaces, such as parking lots, service stations garages and construction sites.
- Allowing autonomous vehicles to steer more smoothly and safely.
Specific Applications of Hyundai’s Crab Driving
Hyundai has not yet announced plans to bring Crab Driving to production cars. However, as demonstrated by Hyundai Mobis, the e-Corner system allows for some eccentric manoeuvres. As of now, such driving moves are not possible with any other regular vehicles.
Here are some of the specific applications of the Hyundai e-Corner System for the assistance of drivers.
Crab Walk
This is the most prominent application of Hyundai’s Crab Driving. It allows cars to park sideways in a parking spot, which can be much easier and more efficient than traditional parallel parking.
Apparently, Hyundai Ioniq 5 prototype isn’t the only vehicle with a crab walk feature. Similar functionality has also been introduced in the 2023 Hummer GMC EV.
Zero Turn
This is another way to say that a car can turn on a dime. With Hyundai Crab Driving technology, a car can turn 360 degrees in its own length, which can be helpful in parking and making u-turns in tight spaces.
Pivot Turn
This allows a car to turn around in a single spot, without having to back up. This can be helpful in tight spaces or when there is traffic behind the car.
It is important to note that pivot turn isn’t an entirely new concept. In fact, a similar concept was experimented in the 1950s. A fifth tyre was installed in the trunk that could swing the rear of a car. It remained hidden until there was a need to make a pivot turn. It was also able to rotate a car to a complete 360-degree angle like the ‘zero turn’ option in Hyundai Crab Driving.
Diagonal Driving
By turning all four wheels at a certain angle simultaneously, it allows a car to drive diagonally across a road. This can be helpful in changing lanes while driving on a highway and even navigating narrow streets.
This was everything you needed to know about Hyundai’s Crab Driving feature. This unique ADAS feature is still in the experimental stage and has not hit the market yet. If launched for daily-driven vehicles, it can be a breakthrough in the history of the Hyundai car brand. However, the development of such unprecedented technologies is propelling the future of cars towards connectivity, efficiency and safety.
Crab Driving may still be in the works, but there are many other ADAS features that Hyundai vehicles currently offer, such as forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, etc. To experience driving with them, browse these Hyundai cars for sale in the UAE. Pick any of the newer models equipped with ADAS.
For more informative pieces on new and upcoming automotive technologies, keep reading dubizzle’s car blog.
Cover Image Credits: Hyundai Mobis official website
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