Hyundai Engineering, R&D on AI-Based Design Automation Technology

Hyundai Engineering is actively developing AI-based design automation technology to be applied in business sectors such as construction and plants.

On the 31st, Hyundai Engineering announced that it has established an AI-powered 'Process Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) Automatic Recognition System.' P&ID is a design drawing containing key process information, handed over from the client at the early stages of a project.

A Hyundai Engineering employee is conducting a design drawing recognition test using the 'Process Piping Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) Automatic Recognition System.'
[Photo by Hyundai Engineering]

The 'P&ID Automatic Recognition System' is developed based on AI deep learning and computer vision to recognize P&IDs and automatically generate deliverables such as piping and instrumentation lists and CAD drawings.

Currently, verification work is underway using drawings from ongoing projects such as the Indonesia petrochemical complex project and the Saudi Jafurah gas processing facility project, with the goal of applying the system to business operations within this year.

When the P&ID Automatic Recognition System is deployed, it can recognize and extract all information within 1 to 2 minutes per drawing and generate deliverables. Compared to the previous method where designers had to manually analyze drawings and extract information, this can drastically shorten the project schedule.

The accuracy of drawing analysis is also improved. Internal tests showed that the drawing recognition accuracy of the 'P&ID Automatic Recognition System' exceeds 95%. It is expected that when designers use this system for drawing analysis tasks, the accuracy will be significantly higher. Additionally, it is anticipated that more than 50% cost savings can be achieved in this task through minimized manpower input and reduced outsourcing expenses.

The P&ID Automatic Recognition System was independently developed by the Smart Technology Center, which is responsible for integrated development of smart construction technologies within Hyundai Engineering. According to Hyundai Engineering, since they possess proprietary technology, there is great potential for technological expansion, including exploring the use of drawing and image recognition technology in other business areas in the future.

A Hyundai Engineering official stated, “In addition to AI design automation, we are fully committed to research and development to develop and apply core technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution such as smart construction technology, OSC & modular technology, and data platform construction on site. We will strive to improve productivity and efficiency at construction sites by utilizing various methods including in-house technology development, business agreements with academia and research institutes, and open innovation.”