A number of companies are working on flying cars, but Hyundai is taking a different approach by forging a strategic partnership with Top Flight Technologies.
Instead of developing flying cars, Top Flight specializes hybrid-electric unmanned aerial vehicle technologies. While it sounds odd that Hyundai would be interested in a drone company, the automaker said it “seeks to enhance its existing operations with the application of drone products and technologies ― particularly high-definition mapping and operations and management services.”
The company didn’t go into specifics, but mapping data is becoming increasingly important due to the rise of autonomous vehicles. Top Flight CEO Dr. Long Phan alluded to this as he stated “Hyundai Motor Company’s investment in Top Flight confirms its commitment to autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions, whether on the road or in the air.”
Creating maps for autonomous vehicles isn’t the only reason Hyundai was interested in Top Flight as the automaker was impressed by the Micro Generator Hybrid Power System which enables drones to fly for up to two hours, while carrying loads weighing 8.8 lbs (4 kg). That doesn’t sound like much, but companies such as Amazon are exploring drone deliveries.
Hyundai noted the potential for deliveries as the automaker said it will work with Top Flight to explore potential areas for business development including “cargo transport, inspection services and surveillance missions for industrial sites.”
In a statement, Hyundai CRADLE Vice President John Suh said “In addition to solving the challenges of longer-duration flight for quadcopters, Top Flight is developing the technologies needed to enable new solutions in aerial logistics and mapping which could be useful in Hyundai’s future business.” He went on to say “Hyundai Motor continues to invest in companies that develop disruptive technologies that are in-line with Hyundai’s current and future strategic thinking.”