Hyundai EV Factory to Implement Cutting Edge Manufacturing Tech

On Nov 21, Hyundai unveiled a state-of-the-art electric vehicle factory in Singapore, which the South Korean auto manufacturer heralds as a crucial element of its electrification plan for the future. According to a statement from the company, the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore will employ 200 robots to complete half of its tasks. The center will also adopt new production methods that deviate from traditional conveyor belts.

The company's facility, which started operating earlier this year before its official opening on Nov 21, has the capacity to produce 30,000 electric vehicles annually. According to the statement, the Singapore plant will become one of Hyundai Motor Group's two main innovation centers, guiding the company's future in the electrification era for the next 50 years.

The facility synchronizes the virtual and physical worlds in real-time, allowing humans and robots to cooperate in unprecedented ways, the statement noted.

The robots are capable of handling assembly, inspection, and organizing production facilities. They are also able to manage over 60% of the component process, including ordering and transportation. According to the company, this will allow people to concentrate on "tasks that are more creative and productive." The investment's value was not provided, but according to previous media reports, it is estimated at S$400 million (US$300 million).

At present, the facility manufactures the IONIQ 5 electric car as well as the fully autonomous IONIQ 5 "robotaxi," capable of operating without a driver. Next year, production of the IONIQ 6 sedan will begin at Hyundai's plant.