In a significant leap towards revolutionizing the automotive manufacturing landscape, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) on Tuesday. Positioned as a beacon of technological advancement, this innovation hub aims to reshape conventional auto production processes and propel the industry into the era of future mobility through automated vehicle production.
“Singapore and Hyundai Motor Group have common innovative DNA to move into a better future,” stated Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun. The strategic selection of Singapore as the hub’s location stems from the country’s outstanding infrastructure, open policies, robust economy, and a pool of world-class talents.
Situated in the Jurong Innovation District, the nine-story HMGICS spans an impressive 90,000 square meters. This integrated facility features an automated logistics system, a brand experience zone, smart manufacturing facilities, and even a rooftop track for test driving. Notably, the factory commenced production earlier this year, focusing on the Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s all-electric vehicle, and the Robotaxi model, a level 4 autonomous vehicle, with an annual capacity of 30,000 or more electric vehicles.
The HMGICS operates as Hyundai Motor’s testbed for future mobility, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, information communication technology, and robotics. One of its innovative features is the cell system—a flexible production method that builds different vehicles in one cell, tailored to diverse customer demands. This method, supported by optimized algorithms and automated processes, deviates from traditional conveyor belt systems.
The data platform established at HMGICS standardizes information generated throughout the manufacturing process, enabling real-time collection and analysis via a comprehensive 5G network. Additionally, the center employs a digital twin program, virtually duplicating the plant’s manufacturing process to enhance efficiency by managing workflow and simulating workloads. Hyundai Motor plans to implement this automated manufacturing platform in its forthcoming major factories, the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia and an EV plant in Ulsan.
At the center’s opening ceremony, Hyundai Motor solidified its commitment to advancing technological frontiers by signing a memorandum of understanding with Nanyang Technological University and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. This collaboration aims to establish the first university-government-business joint research lab in Singapore. Moreover, Hyundai Motor forged a partnership with local logistics company Poh Tiong Choon Logistics to contribute to the development of a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in Singapore.
Chang Jae-hoon, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, emphasized the company’s dedication to ongoing collaboration with Singapore, focusing on future mobility production and technological innovation. He expressed the company’s determination to present a new mobility paradigm through continuous creative endeavors. Hyundai Motor Group’s HMGICS stands as a testament to the synergy between technological innovation and sustainable ecosystem development, propelling the automotive industry into a future characterized by groundbreaking mobility solutions.
(Source: The Korea Herald | Barron’s | PR Newswire)
