Spot the Robotic Dog Patrols Hyundai's Singapore Smart Factory
AI and Robotics Drive Flexible, Human-Centered Production
HMGICS Sets New Standards for Automated EV Manufacturing
Advanced Inspection Systems Aim to Reduce Quality Issues
The Hyundai Motor Group Global Innovation Center (HMGICS), established in Singapore, is drawing attention from international media outlets.
On August 13, global news channel CNN introduced HMGICS's hyper-automated production system, which combines robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as its flexible, human-centered manufacturing environment, as a model for the factory of the future.
The news footage featured Boston Dynamics' robotic dog "Spot" patrolling the factory, performing real-time quality inspections of workers and facility checks.
Spot follows engineers and records tasks that are prone to errors. The AI algorithm then analyzes this footage to determine whether assemblies have been properly completed. This allows engineers to immediately identify whether corrections are needed before the work is finished. CNN commented, "In this advanced factory, robots are inspecting humans."
Interior photo of Hyundai Motor Group Global Innovation Center (HMGICS). Provided by Hyundai Motor Group
HMGICS is Singapore's first electric vehicle production plant, implementing a smart factory centered on automation. Within the facility, digital twin technology, AI, and collaborative robotics systems have been introduced, enabling humans to focus on creative and strategic tasks.
Completed in 2023, HMGICS has an annual production capacity of 30,000 electric vehicles. Approximately 70% of its assembly and inspection processes are automated, with around 200 robots operating throughout the factory.
HMGICS is Hyundai Motor Group's first smart factory equipped with an intelligent production system. It serves as a testbed for researching and experimenting with future mobility technologies by adopting various innovative mobility manufacturing techniques. The advanced technologies implemented at this plant are expected to be gradually applied to other factories in the future.
Hyundai Motor Group has established an environment at HMGICS that enables agile responses to various environmental changes and customer needs through: a highly automated, cell-based flexible production system utilizing advanced technologies such as AI and robotics; efficient production operations based on digital twin technology that synchronizes the physical and virtual worlds; data-driven intelligent operation systems; and human-centered manufacturing processes where humans and robots work in harmony.
Alpesh Patel, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of HMGICS, said in an interview with CNN, "The integrated operation of robots and AI is enabling more flexible and efficient production," adding, "Such precise inspection systems are essential for reducing quality issues in the long term."
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