"Defect Detection by Sound"…Hyundai Mobis Introduces 'Acoustic AI'

Trial Application of MDPS Production Process at Changwon Plant
Inspection Possible at One Unit per Second...Work Efficiency Up↑
Expansion to Other Parts Processes Planned

Engineers are checking the quality information read in real-time by the acoustic artificial intelligence (AI) inspector at Hyundai Mobis Changwon Plant. (Photo by Hyundai Mobis)

Hyundai Mobis has developed a system in which artificial intelligence (AI) listens to subtle sounds generated during the product inspection process and determines quality accuracy.

On the 19th, Hyundai Mobis announced that it has pilot-installed this 'Acoustic AI'-based inspection system at its Changwon plant, which produces Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS).

The core of 'Acoustic AI' is the development of algorithms that assign meaning to specific sounds and help make appropriate judgments. It is evaluated as an industrial technology more suitable for smart factories than generative AI.

The sound generated by the motor attached to Hyundai Mobis's MDPS as it rotates forms a consistent wave-shaped waveform. Acoustic AI filters out parts of the waveform that spike or have different amplitudes. Previously, an automated system would first filter out suspected defective products below the standard after assembly, and then specialists would re-examine them. With the introduction of this Acoustic AI-based system, quality can now be inspected at a rate of one unit per second. Additionally, it has become easier to identify the causes when quality issues arise. The Changwon plant produces about 1.3 million MDPS units annually.

Hyundai Mobis plans to expand the application of the Acoustic AI inspection system to other component processes. Parts that inevitably generate noise due to movement, such as braking devices, will be prioritized. By continuously securing meaningful data through Acoustic AI, the company aims to further develop it into an independent AI model.

Choi Nak-hyun, Executive Director of Hyundai Mobis's DT Promotion Office, said, "This is a leading case of process innovation not only in the automotive sector but also in the global manufacturing industry," adding, "We will introduce differentiated new technologies utilizing AI for production technology, research and development, and work environment improvement."