Guhyeonmo and Jeong Giseon Robot Alliance.. KT and Hyundai Heavy Join Hands for 'Innovation' (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] KT and Hyundai Heavy Industries Group are launching comprehensive business cooperation that combines 5G and AI (artificial intelligence) technologies with manufacturing capabilities in the fields of intelligent service robots and smart factories. This alliance between the 9th-ranked manufacturing conglomerate and the 12th-ranked ICT company is expected to serve as a catalyst for spreading digital alliances throughout the manufacturing industry.

KT CEO Koo Hyun-mo’s First Investment Since Taking Office... 50 Billion KRW Investment in Hyundai Robotics Secures 10% Stake

On the 16th, KT CEO Koo Hyun-mo and Hyundai Heavy Industries Group Vice Chairman Jung Ki-sun signed a business cooperation agreement for a strategic partnership with Hyundai Robotics at the KT Gwanghwamun Building (East) in Jongno-gu, Seoul. KT is investing 50 billion KRW in Hyundai Robotics, a robot business subsidiary of Hyundai Heavy Industries, securing a 10% stake. Since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for 5G-based robot and smart factory business cooperation in May last year, KT and Hyundai Heavy Industries have continued comprehensive collaboration for digital innovation. Hyundai Heavy Industries also participated in the ‘AI One Team’ launched in February, led by KT with participation from academia and research institutes. In April, KT partnered with Hyundai Robotics to introduce the second-generation GiGA Genie hotel robot ‘N bot,’ featuring improved design and performance, at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel & Residence. KT’s equity investment in Hyundai Robotics has put the cooperation between the two companies on a solid track.

KT’s acquisition of shares in Hyundai Robotics is the first and largest investment since CEO Koo’s official inauguration in March. It reflects CEO Koo’s strong determination to actively support digital innovation in the domestic industrial sector through 5G technology while seeking new opportunities in the 5G B2B (business-to-business) market. Since taking office, CEO Koo has emphasized that “companies’ concerns about digitalization in manufacturing sites will become opportunities for KT to provide solutions.” The business cooperation is also significant for Hyundai Heavy Industries. Hyundai Robotics, the leading company in the domestic industrial robot market, was established in 2017 as the robot business division of Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings and was spun off as a separate corporation last month. Within the group, it is regarded as the spearhead of future growth engines and the control tower for ‘digital innovation.’

Comprehensive Cooperation Expected in Intelligent Robots, Autonomous Driving, and Smart Factories

The two companies plan to build a strong cooperative relationship in the future in areas such as intelligent service robot development, autonomous driving technology research, and smart factory fields. KT will be responsible for software development and application, while Hyundai Robotics will handle hardware development and manufacturing. They will jointly enter the service robot market following the industrial market by developing food and beverage serving robots, cleaning and patrol robots, and collaborative robots for factories and stores.

In the smart factory sector, KT’s dedicated platform (5G Factory Makers) and Hyundai Robotics’ Hyundai Robot Management System (HRMS) will be combined to improve process analysis, production management, and predictive maintenance. Additionally, cooperation will be pursued in smart hospitals and smart logistics. To jointly promote smart solutions, digital innovation, AI, and ICT businesses, a cooperation committee involving CEO Koo and Vice Chairman Jung will be established. The committee will discuss business cooperation plans between KT and Hyundai Heavy Industries Group affiliates. CEO Koo stated, “In the post-COVID-19 era, based on KT’s 5G and AI capabilities, we will cooperate with Hyundai Heavy Industries Group to strengthen South Korea’s industrial competitiveness and lead innovation in the manufacturing industry.” Vice Chairman Jung also said, “Broad business cooperation with KT will help not only Hyundai Robotics but also Hyundai Heavy Industries Group’s ‘digital innovation’ and competitiveness as a world-leading company.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.