Hyundai Wia Commercializes Logistics Robots... "To Be Deployed in Hyundai Motor Group's US Factories"

Hyundai Wia announced on the 25th that it will commercialize autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and automated guided vehicles (AGV). AMRs and AGVs are robots that automatically transport goods to their destinations. Hyundai Wia will supply these logistics robots to Meta Plant America (HMGMA), Hyundai Motor Group's dedicated electric vehicle factory in the United States, and Hyundai Mobis's U.S. factory starting in 2024.

Among the robots Hyundai Wia is commercializing, the AMRs have maximum payload capacities of 1000 kg and 300 kg, respectively. These AMRs are characterized by their ability to freely navigate within factories and transport goods based on autonomous driving technology. Using LiDAR sensors and others, the robots create real-time maps inside the factory and can move independently. Additionally, when the logistics robots create maps, hazardous areas are separately classified to generate optimal routes. They can also autonomously avoid obstacles while moving.

Furthermore, by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Hyundai Wia developed an ‘Integrated Control System’ that always finds the optimal route to transport goods. It maximizes logistics efficiency by understanding factory conditions and environments and scheduling tasks. It is designed to flexibly respond even when processes and quantities change or when various types of logistics robots are used simultaneously.

A Hyundai Wia official said, “We made it so that the AMR can independently set routes and perfectly transport the materials needed for production,” adding, “It can flexibly respond to any situation, which will revolutionize electric vehicle manufacturing logistics.”

The AGVs supplied by Hyundai Wia are robots that transport goods by following guidelines. These robots play a role in precisely moving vehicle bodies, parts, and other items along predetermined routes to enhance productivity.

Hyundai Wia plans to develop AMRs and AGVs by applying an ‘Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA)’ system, unlike other logistics robot companies. IMA, recently applied in complete vehicle development, is a cutting-edge development method that standardizes and modularizes core components to quickly meet diverse customer demands.

A Hyundai Wia official said, “We are pleased to achieve good results in the new business field of robotics,” and added, “We will strive to grow into a leading company in Korea in the fields of robotics and smart factory solutions through continuous research and development.”