Hyundai Motor Group in Singapore
Hyundai Motor Group marked a significant milestone with the official launch of its inaugural mobility innovation center in Singapore. Designed to be a smart urban mobility hub, the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) harnesses cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize research and development, manufacturing, and business practices in the automotive industry.
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”With the help of robotics, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT), we’ve built a human-centric manufacturing innovation system that can respond to changes in mobility, processes, and products with agility and flexibility,” said Alpesh Patel, vice president and head of Technology Innovation Group at HMGICS”.
Let’s explore more about this important step taken by Hyundai:
Hyundai Motor Group and Motional have announced that the freshly unveiled Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) will be the production home for their collaborative project—the all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxi. These cutting-edge robotaxis are set to hit the streets in the United States for commercial services starting in 2024, marking a significant leap in autonomous driving technology.
The IONIQ 5 robotaxi, developed jointly by Hyundai and Motional, stands out as one of the pioneering SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles to earn certification under the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This means it meets high safety standards, a crucial milestone in the world of self-driving cars.
HMGICS, Hyundai’s innovative center in Singapore, introduces a fresh concept called the ‘smart urban mobility hub.‘ Here, a highly automated flexible production system takes center stage, providing novel ways for electric vehicle (EV) buyers to engage with their cars and the Hyundai brand. This move reflects Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to spearheading global advancements in sustainable, innovative mobility solutions and delivering an enhanced customer experience.
Following the recent groundbreaking ceremony for Hyundai’s new Ulsan EV factory, HMGICS emerges as one of the two pivotal innovation pillars for Hyundai Motor Group, leading the company into the era of electrification.
Situated within the Jurong Innovation District and integrated into the larger Singapore smart city ecosystem, the seven-story, 87,000 m2 HMGICS facility can manufacture up to 30,000 EVs annually. Already operational since early 2023, the center is producing the IONIQ 5 and the fully autonomous IONIQ 5 robotaxi, with plans to add the IONIQ 6 to its portfolio next year.
HMGICS seamlessly blends the virtual and physical worlds in real time. This unique integration allows humans and robots to collaborate in unprecedented ways. Approximately 50% of tasks are performed by 200 robots, showcasing the power of collaboration between humans, robotics, and AI systems facilitated by the digital twin platform. Employees can simulate tasks in the digital virtual space while robots carry out physical tasks on the production line. Robots play a crucial role in assembly, inspection, and organizing production facilities, handling over 60% of component process management, ordering, and transportation.
What sets HMGICS apart is its commitment to innovation. The factory employs a cell-based manufacturing system, eliminating the need for traditional conveyor belts. Instead, self-driving robots equipped with LiDAR and sensors seamlessly transport parts across 27 cells, while automated guided vehicles navigate the factory floor. A key highlight is the collaboration with Boston Dynamics Inc.’s Spot, a mobile robot, which employs artificial intelligence algorithms to inspect assembly quality.
CONCLUSION
With a total investment of 700 billion won ($543 million) over three years, Hyundai Motor Group’s HMGICS in Singapore is a testament to its commitment to shaping the future of mobility. Despite the one-year delay in its opening due to the global pandemic, Hyundai Motor Group is optimistic about testing its innovative solutions in Singapore, leveraging the city-state’s openness to new ideas and robust talent pool before introducing these advancements to a global audience. The inauguration of HMGICS marks a transformative step toward redefining manufacturing and underscores Hyundai’s dedication to driving positive impacts in the evolution of human mobility.