[Let's Run Again Construction Korea] Hyundai ENG, "Leading Smart and Untact Construction Technologies Including AI Plastering Robot"

Establishment of the '2025 Smart Construction Technology Roadmap'
Organizational Restructuring and Reinforcement of Technical Experts
AI Plastering Robots, 6-Axis Robot Arm 3D Printing Technology, etc.
Advancing Automation of Construction Sites Using Robots

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Hyundai Engineering developed an 'AI Plastering Robot' last month that performs concrete floor surface leveling work without additional separate operation by workers, and filed a patent for the floor leveling method using this robot. The method involves precisely measuring the poured concrete floor surface with a 3D scanner, transmitting geographic information of areas where smoothness deviates from the standard to the AI plastering robot, and the robot automatically performing plastering work on those areas. This is part of Hyundai Engineering's focus on contactless construction technology in preparation for the post-COVID-19 era.

Hyundai Engineering classifies smart construction technology into four areas: ▲Construction Automation ▲OSC (Off-Site Construction) ▲Smart Project Management ▲Smart Site Management, and plans to actively develop and introduce leading smart construction technologies in each area. Hyundai Engineering has established the '2025 Smart Construction Technology Roadmap' containing these plans to leap to a top-tier domestic smart construction technology company by 2025 and is leading the development and adoption of smart construction technologies.

To this end, Hyundai Engineering reorganized the Technology Research Institute within the Architecture Business Division this year into a leading organization for smart construction technology, incorporating personnel responsible for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and reinforcing experts in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, 3D scanning, and drone technologies. Through strengthening its organization and workforce, the company aims to innovate the entire work execution system by applying smart construction technologies not only individually, as is common in the industry, but also in connection with BIM and integrated project management systems.

First, the company is actively pursuing automation of construction sites using robots. In March, it filed a patent for producing irregular-shaped buildings using a 6-axis robotic arm for 3D printing, leading the development of construction automation technology. Hyundai Engineering’s 3D printing technology involves producing segmented formworks outside the construction site using 3D printing technology, installing the formworks on-site, and then pouring concrete in an indirect printing method. The company is also promoting the development of materials suitable for direct 3D printing construction on-site. By developing mortar and nozzles suitable for 3D printed structures, it plans to secure complete 3D printing construction technology.

OSC is another pillar of the company's focus on smart construction. OSC refers to prefabricating building components or units off-site, such as in factories, and transporting and installing them on-site. Modular and precast concrete (PC) are representative technologies. Utilizing these technologies minimizes on-site work time and manpower, reducing contact among workers and thus enabling a contactless effect.

Since 2013, Hyundai Engineering has participated in two national research projects related to modular housing. It has collaborated with major public institutions such as the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) Land and Housing Institute and Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH Corporation) to develop various modular construction technologies, and is currently participating in a national project for innovative OSC apartment technologies starting this year. Through this, the company has secured 10 modular-related patents and one new construction technology, including 'cost-reduction type high-rise modular housing.' It plans to lead this field by actively participating in demonstration projects for mid- to high-rise modular housing and applying accumulated modular technology experience.

Recently, the company is also actively expanding the PC method. In February, it successfully completed the 'Gasan Terra Tower' knowledge industry center by applying the PC method to the entire underground and aboveground floors except for the core section. Notably, the latest PC method, the 'Double Wall Method,' was applied to the entire 15th to 17th floors where the dormitory is located, giving the company the largest single-scale construction experience with this method.

In the smart project management field, Hyundai Engineering aims to enhance project management efficiency by introducing Business Intelligence (BI) and plans to build its own BI platform in the future. BIM, applied to 21 Hyundai Engineering sites, will see its utilization expanded further. Currently, 2D drawings are converted into 3D for tasks such as drawing review, interference check, and pre-construction feasibility review, with plans to extend application to '4D schedule management' and '5D quantity takeoff' stages.

A Hyundai Engineering official said, "Although BIM and smart construction technologies have recently been introduced in various construction fields, a business model is needed to advance toward integrated technology development and management areas. Based on company-wide management innovation efforts, we will focus all our efforts on systematic technology development so that individual smart construction technologies can create synergy."

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