Hyundai Wia to Radically Transform Production System Based on 'Robotics and Autonomous Driving'

Introduction of 'Cell' System Instead of Conventional Conveyor Belt
First Implementation at Hyundai Motor Group Singapore Innovation Center

The image shows Hyundai Wia machine tools and robots implementing a smart manufacturing process through a remote system (Photo by Hyundai Wia).

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Hyundai Wia is embarking on innovation in manufacturing sites based on robots and autonomous driving.

On the 19th, Hyundai Wia announced that it will commercialize the ‘RnA Smart Manufacturing and Logistics Integrated Solution’ based on robots and autonomous driving. It will also introduce a flexible and advanced ‘Cell’ manufacturing method compared to the existing conveyor belt system. To this end, the company recently established a 'Promotion Office' directly under the Vice President in charge. Hyundai Wia aims to build an intelligent flexible production system through the RnA-based integrated solution by 2022, expand global supply, and strengthen its position as a ‘global manufacturing solution provider.’

Hyundai Wia’s ‘RnA Integrated Solution’ breaks away from the conventional method where processing and assembly were done along a conveyor belt, and instead configures all manufacturing processes such as processing, assembly, transportation, and inspection into a single small cell. The cell method is flexible and fast, allowing the production of various products, making it suitable for future manufacturing forms that produce multiple varieties. From a maintenance perspective, it is also advantageous compared to the conveyor belt method.

Hyundai Wia plans to significantly improve the speed of assembly and processing by having machine tools and robots cooperate within the cell to process metal. They have independently developed algorithms that link collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and machine tools, and applied BPR technology using 3D vision recognition technology to increase productivity.

A ‘Smart Logistics and Robot Control System’ will also be applied throughout the manufacturing process. This system collects processing and assembly information within the production cell in real time to optimize the entire production process. It can flexibly adjust logistics supply by constantly monitoring logistics supply status information. Additionally, artificial intelligence coordinates autonomous mobile robots and the entire manufacturing line to find the optimal production process.

Furthermore, machine tools will be optimized for the integrated solution. The existing smart solution for machine tools, HW-MMS, will be advanced so that the status of all machines can be checked anywhere via smartphones and other devices. After-sales service (AS) is also possible remotely.

The first testing ground for the RnA-based integrated manufacturing solution is Hyundai Motor Group’s Singapore Global Innovation Centers (HMGICs). HMGICs is being constructed in the Jurong Innovation District of Singapore with a site area of 44,000㎡, a total floor area of 90,000㎡, and seven above-ground floors, aiming for completion by the end of 2022.

A Hyundai Wia official said, “We are preparing an RnA-based integrated manufacturing solution by deploying company-wide capabilities,” and added, “Based on the know-how accumulated over a long period of making factory automation systems, robots, and machine tools, we will become a competitive company in the global market.”

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