Hyundai Motor unveiled its latest initiative to promote archery: The Path of an Archer – Where Mobility Technology Meets Archery. (Image courtesy of Hyundai Motor)
SEOUL, Jul. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – “It’s simple. Hold the grip naturally, as if you’re holding an egg, and use your index, middle, and ring fingers to draw the bowstring,” instructed Oh Jin-hyek, a gold medalist from the 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as he demonstrated proper archery technique to participants at a unique event hosted by Hyundai Motor Group.
On the morning of July 25, at the Hyundai Motor Studio in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, the automaker unveiled its latest initiative to promote archery: The Path of an Archer – Where Mobility Technology Meets Archery.
The event, running from July 26 to August 18, offers participants a chance to experience the journey of becoming a national archery team member through cutting-edge training equipment developed by Hyundai’s R&D technology.
The event space is divided into two main areas: an Archery Experience Zone featuring a 10-meter curved screen that simulates actual archery ranges, and an Archery Technology Exhibition Zone showcasing advanced training equipment.
In the Experience Zone, participants can try their hand at archery in three simulated environments: an indoor training range, an outdoor practice range, and a World Cup archery stadium.
Oh Jin-hyek, a gold medalist from the 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
For safety, lightweight 2kg recurve bows replace the 3-4kg bows used by professionals, and arrows are tipped with blunt sponges. Arm and chest guards are also provided to prevent injuries from the bowstring.
Incorporating Hyundai’s emotion recognition vehicle control technology, a vision-based heart rate measurement device analyzes minute changes in facial blood flow, displaying the archer’s real-time heart rate on the screen without the need for more invasive sensors.
The outdoor training simulation utilizes Hyundai’s surround view technology, providing camera views from above and beside the archer to help maintain proper form.
Oh emphasized the importance of consistent posture, noting, “In national team selections, we shoot 4,055 arrows. A single mistake can cost you a spot, so we strive to maintain precise form with every shot.”
The World Cup stadium simulation offers perspective on the challenge faced by Olympic archers, with the 12cm diameter gold bullseye appearing as a mere dot at the regulation 70-meter distance.
Archery Experience Zone featuring a 10-meter curved screen that simulates actual archery ranges (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The Technology Exhibition Zone features the Personal Training Shooting Robot, which recently made headlines by competing against Paris 2024 Olympic-bound archers. This robot consistently scores above 9.65 out of 10, providing valuable practice for team members.
Other exhibits include multi-angle camera systems for precise form analysis, automatic scoring devices, and high-precision arrow selection machines. Visitors can also view 3D-printed grips customized for top archers, made from materials used in automotive parts for optimal performance.
Hyundai Motor Group’s involvement in archery spans four decades, with Chairman Chung Eui-sun continuing the legacy of his father, Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-Koo, in supporting the sport. Since 2016, the company has been directly developing equipment for national team training.
“This event aims to let the public experience the dedication of our national team athletes and enjoy archery’s appeal,” a Hyundai Motor Group representative stated. “We will continue to support the development and popularization of Korean archery.”
As the Paris Olympics approach, Chairman Chung is set to visit the French capital on July 26 to personally oversee support for the archery team, underscoring Hyundai’s commitment to the sport’s success and broader public engagement.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
