Hyundai Motor Co. said Tuesday that it is exploring the use of drones and checking the feasibility of making "transformer-like" cars under a research and development program (R&D) to better meet the demands of the future.

At this year's R&D IDEA Festival at Hyundai's Namyang R&D Center south of Seoul, South Korea's No. 1 carmaker said that its engineers have conducted experiments of using small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones that are controlled from a car so the driver can have a better understanding of the road ahead.

The so-called Air DriveMate drone can give drivers a better understanding of their general surroundings and allow for better situational awareness without the need to leave the vehicle.

Another experiment being carried out involves building a single car that can be changed from a regular sedan to an SUV and even a light truck, depending on the requirements of the driver.

The "three-in-one" concept "Hyundai Carmeleon" can eliminate the need to buy different types of vehicles to meet various needs that can translate into greater convenience and savings for car owners.

Hyundai said that its engineers checked on a "space former" concept where the sides of cars can be lifted upwards, making it possible for the seats to swivel or even be removed altogether, which can maximize internal space.

Other concepts explored at the IDEA event outline special rescue vehicles whose tire structures can be changed to cope with changes in terrain and weather conditions.

The "Golden Time Rescue" system can accomplice its work under even the most challenging conditions.

Other automotive inventions and concept prototypes that Hyundai could look into down the line are cars that have sideways moving wheels that can facilitate parallel parking in tight spaces and modular vehicles that can be connected and detached depending on requirements. These cars can seat one person per pod and can be driven independently as micro cars. 

Other experiments carried out by engineers that are not directly related to cars are luggage cases that can move by themselves, powered sneakers and wheelchairs that can act like crutches to negotiate areas not accessible by wheels alone.

Hyundai said the latest string of concepts could be shown at future motor shows and help sharpen the skills of its engineers as well as promote the R&D vital for improving the competitive edge of the company as a whole. (Yonhap)