[AI Revolution](116) WeFlow Advances Electric Mobility Diagnostics with AI for "Optimal Decision-Making"

Interview with Kim Eui-jeong, CEO of Weplo
Optimal Results Through AI... Also Strength in Contactless
"Based on the Value of Seeking New Discoveries"

Kim Eui-jung, CEO of WeFlow, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Pangyo office in Seongnam City. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

"Ultimately, the key in the inspection and maintenance process is decision-making. Artificial intelligence (AI) can provide answers on whether operation is safe and when and which parts need repair."

The shift from internal combustion engines to electric-powered eco-friendly mobility has become an unstoppable trend. Not only companies but also governments worldwide are entering the future air mobility (AAM) market, centered on electric vehicles, drones, and urban air mobility (UAM). In this context, the demand for safety diagnostics and inspections is growing. This is why Weplo, which provides automated inspection and diagnostic solutions for future mobility platforms, is gaining attention.

Weplo collects data on the drive components, such as motors, of electric mobility vehicles using sensors. Typically, when thinking about inspections for electric mobility, the battery comes to mind first. However, Weplo explains that the drive components are just as important as the battery. If a problem occurs in the drive components causing command restrictions, more current flows from the battery, which can eventually lead to battery fires. In addition to detecting issues in the drive components, indirect inspection of the battery is also possible because abnormal current flow from the battery to the drive components can be detected.

Weplo uses sensors to identify drive component issues and accumulate data. This data is analyzed through an AI model developed by Weplo to derive optimal decisions during inspections. Through AI-based comprehensive diagnostics, the aging of the vehicle is assessed, and the condition of each part is scored in detail. It also enables predictive maintenance by identifying average lifespan and replacement schedules. In the future, Weplo plans to advance to a generative AI model that directly learns problems and inspection content.

Kim Euijung, CEO of Weplo, worked at Hanwha Systems for 16 years, engaging in tasks such as mobile communications, autonomous driving, and guided flight system design and research. She decided to establish Weplo in April 2022. CEO Kim said, "Inspections took a lot of time, so I was thinking about how to make them more efficient. Since inspections can only be conducted when the target vehicle, such as a UAM aircraft, appears, I decided to establish the company with the view of leading the future market."

Kim Eui-jeong, CEO of Weplo, is discussing drone diagnostic panels and AI technology at the Pangyo office in Seongnam City. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

Beyond data collection using sensors and AI analysis and diagnostics, Weplo also has the advantage of a 'non-contact solution.' CEO Kim explained, "Because high voltage flows, contact-based inspections are difficult and risky. Non-contact methods can detect various factors such as the amount of energy and physical quantities in the drive components through sensors, providing much more information than contact methods, which only measure energy over time." It is said that Weplo is the only company diagnosing and inspecting electric mobility using a non-contact method.

Currently, Weplo operates in two sectors: aerial mobility, including drones and UAM, and ground mobility, which involves electric vehicles. While ground mobility is expected to grow significantly in the near future, the scale of the aerial mobility sector is also predicted to increase once aerial mobility vehicles are developed and launched. The client base is expected to diversify from electric car rental operators and drive system manufacturers to aerial mobility platform companies and manufacturers, vehicle maintenance platforms, insurance companies, and more. Additionally, since Weplo enables diagnostics and quantification of electric mobility, it is expected to have influence in the used vehicle trading market as well.

As Weplo has entered an untapped field, it plans to continue making new attempts. CEO Kim emphasized, "Since we are pioneering the market, we will lead the company based on the value of discovering new things. I want to create a unique company that continuously produces products and services in innovative, challenging, and creative ways."