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Mercedes-Benz's Robot Dog 'Benz Corgi' Takes Delivery to New Heights

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 22:04 GMT by legit

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Munich Auto Show 2023: From Robot Dogs to Flying Cars – A Snapshot of the Future of Mobility

The 2023 International Motor Show in Munich (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung – IAA) once again turned the city into a playground for automotive futurism, featuring a dazzling mix of concept vehicles, cutting‑edge technologies, and a few high‑profile “takeaway” moments that captured the public’s imagination. While the show traditionally showcases the latest production models and upcoming road‑legal cars, this year’s edition leaned heavily into speculative and experimental concepts that blur the line between science‑fiction and engineering reality. Below is a comprehensive summary of the most noteworthy highlights, organized by theme and company.

1. Robot Dogs: The Rise of Autonomous Service Companions

Mercedes‑Benz – “Benz Corgi”

Perhaps the most talked‑about entry of the show was Mercedes‑Benz’s robot dog, affectionately dubbed the “Benz Corgi.” The vehicle is not a literal canine but a fully autonomous delivery robot designed to navigate urban streets and deliver small parcels. The robot employs a sophisticated sensor suite—including lidar, radar, and high‑resolution cameras—to map its environment and avoid obstacles in real time. Its design incorporates a lightweight carbon‑fiber chassis, and the robot can run up to 50 kilometres per day on a single charge.

Mercedes‑Benz announced that the Corgi will enter a pilot program in Munich’s central district next year, focusing on last‑mile delivery for e‑commerce and healthcare sectors. In the press release, the company highlighted how the robot could reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, aligning with its broader “Ambition 2039” sustainability goals.

Honda – “AI‑Pet”

Honda followed suit with its own “AI‑Pet” concept. Unlike the Mercedes version, Honda’s robot dog is more of a mobile “personal assistant.” It uses an array of microphones and speakers to engage in two‑way conversations with users, making it a potential companion for the elderly or for people working from home. The AI‑Pet is also equipped with a small delivery module, capable of transporting light items—like a coffee cup or a set of keys—over short distances. Honda emphasized the ethical and safety frameworks surrounding its robot, pointing to a dedicated safety officer in its press kit.

2. Flying Cars: Dreams Take Flight

Airbus – “VSI 2.0”

Airbus unveiled a concept called “Vertical Take‑Off & Landing 2.0” (VSI 2.0), a hybrid air‑land vehicle that could take off and land vertically like a helicopter but glide like a conventional airplane. The design incorporates a lightweight, all‑carbon‑fiber fuselage, and four electric rotors that provide lift during take‑off and landing. Once airborne, the vehicle transitions to a forward‑thrust mode powered by a small electric motor and a single jet engine.

The company highlighted that the VSI 2.0 is a step toward its larger “A³” (Advanced Autonomous Aircraft) program, which aims to deploy autonomous air taxis in major European cities by 2035. Airbus noted that its concept meets the current European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations for urban air mobility, a critical milestone for commercial viability.

Terrafugia – “Transition 3”

American startup Terrafugia, a subsidiary of ZF Friedrichshafen, presented its “Transition 3” concept—a “flying car” that can drive on roads and then transform into a lightweight aircraft. The Transition 3 is an evolution of the company’s earlier Transition series, now featuring a fully electric powertrain for both road and air modes. Its fold‑out wings can be deployed in less than 30 seconds, and the vehicle can reach a cruising altitude of 3,000 metres.

Terrafugia’s CEO expressed confidence that the company will launch a pilot in a small European city by 2026. He pointed out that the regulatory path for such vehicles is still murky, but the company is working closely with national aviation authorities to streamline certification processes.

3. Takeaway Technologies – Smart, Sustainable, and Self‑Improving

“Smart Mobility” Solutions from BMW

BMW showcased a suite of “smart mobility” technologies under its “MobiTech” branding. Central to the lineup was an AI‑based traffic management platform that optimizes vehicle routing in real time, reducing commute times and fuel consumption. The platform integrates data from connected vehicles, traffic sensors, and weather forecasts, feeding predictions back to each car’s navigation system.

BMW also presented an experimental “Vehicle‑to‑Grid” (V2G) test where the company’s electric vehicles (EVs) acted as mobile energy storage units for the city grid. By storing excess renewable energy during low‑demand periods and releasing it during peak times, the system can help stabilize the grid and reduce the need for fossil‑fuel power plants.

“Hyperloop” Feats by Virgin Hyperloop

Virgin Hyperloop, which had previously demonstrated a successful test run in Saudi Arabia, took a detour into Munich to showcase a new “Hyperloop 3.0” prototype. The company is experimenting with a new vacuum‑sealed tube that can reduce air resistance further, boosting speeds beyond 1,200 km/h. While the prototype remains on the ground, Virgin Hyperloop’s chief technical officer outlined the company’s strategy for scaling the technology to commercial routes within the next decade.

4. The Human Factor – How the Future Will Look

While the tech showcases are undeniably eye‑catching, many of the presenters emphasized that the real challenge lies in user adoption and regulatory alignment. Mercedes‑Benz’s robot dog, for instance, is being tested with a group of 250 volunteers in Munich’s “Münchner Freiheit” district to gather real‑world data on safety, reliability, and user experience. Similarly, the flying car concepts have already begun engaging with European Union aviation authorities to map out the certification process, a key step that could take several more years.

An intriguing takeaway from the show was the emphasis on “human‑centric design.” All concept vehicles showcased at Munich 2023 incorporated extensive user‑feedback loops. For example, BMW’s AI‑navigation system allows drivers to tweak the level of automation—ranging from full autonomous to manual—based on their comfort level. Airbus’s VSI 2.0 offers adjustable “modes” for both solo flight and passenger transport, allowing operators to choose the best configuration for the specific environment.

5. Conclusion: A Glimpse into Tomorrow

The Munich Auto Show 2023 proved that the automotive industry is not just about refining existing vehicles but about rethinking the entire mobility ecosystem. From autonomous robot dogs to the nascent realm of personal air travel, the concepts presented suggest that the future of transportation will be a blend of software intelligence, electric powertrains, and a renewed focus on user experience.

While many of the showcased concepts are still years away from mass production, the groundwork being laid—whether through pilot programs in Munich or collaborations with regulatory bodies—suggests that these ideas could become tangible realities in the coming decade. The show, therefore, stands as a barometer for what to expect from the industry in the next 5 to 10 years: cleaner, smarter, and far more integrated modes of moving people and goods across urban landscapes.