South Korean automaker Hyundai officially opened its cutting-edge electric vehicle factory in Singapore on Tuesday, November 21.
Hyundai apparently expects the Singapore factory to serve as a “pillar” of its electrification push in the following 50 years, CNA reports, citing AFP/ga.
“Singapore and Hyundai Motor Group share innovative DNA in common in that both pursue challenges for a better future. Coupled with that spirit, Hyundai aims to achieve innovation with human-centric new technologies. I am sure HMGICS can create innovative mobility solutions that will bring positive changes to human beings.”
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun said in a celebratory speech
What’s special about the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre?
The Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore has 200 robots that will perform 50% of the tasks related to EV production. Hyundai asserted that human workers “can simulate tasks in the digital virtual space – or metaverse – while robots physically move components on the production line.”
Specifically, the robots will be responsible for the assembly, inspection, and manufacturing facility organization. They will also help in parts process management, ordering, and transport tasks.
The factory will also employ innovative production strategies and approaches to eliminate conventional conveyor belts.
Interestingly, Hyundai initially started operations at the factory in early 2023. However, it only formally opened on Tuesday.
Hyundai claims that the factory has an annual production capacity of 30,000 EVs. However, it did not disclose the specific amount of investment. Previous reports suggest that it totals S$400 million (US$300 million).
More notably, the facility manages the production of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the fully autonomous Robotaxi model. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 will also undergo production at the factory by 2024, Bloomberg reported.
Key technologies
Hyundai boasts that the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre offers the most advanced 4.0 smart technologies, such as the following:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Robotics
- Advanced R&D facility
- Highly modular and flexible custom-scale production process
- Innovative smart mobility solutions.
Offered experiences
Hyundai also offers interested customers a virtual reality tour at the HMGIC to show them a cutting-edge production process in a 3D VR experience.
It also offers a test ride for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 on the Skytrack.
Hyundai fans can also buy merchandise and accessories and take home fresh vegetables planted at the site’s Smart Farm. Hyundai also plans to build restaurants using vegetables from the Smart Farm by Q2 2024.
Significance
Hyundai’s high-tech Singapore factory will undoubtedly enable the country to expand its automotive industry, which saw a slowdown due to high costs that pushed away automakers to rival countries.
“Now quite unexpectedly we see some high-value automated industries coming back to Singapore again because … there is a paradigm shift in the entire automotive industry.”
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated at the opening ceremony
HMGIC will also enable Hyundai to ramp up its electric vehicle production, raising its sales and delivery figures in the coming quarters. In addition, it will support Hyundai’s efforts in discovering and developing new technologies that can advance its EV models, like autonomous driving.
