How Hyundai Motor redefines the factory floor with robots and AI in its Singapore hub

Autonomous robots and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the factory floor at Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS).

Launched in 2023, HMGICS integrates robotics across inspection, production systems, factory spaces, and human workflows. AI is embedded to support production optimisation, quality management, and data-driven operations.

Since deploying its AI-orchestrated robotics ecosystem, the company has observed improvements in logistics efficiency; lead times and operational bottlenecks have been reduced by more than 50 per cent.

“HMGICS is at the forefront of pioneering the future of smart manufacturing in Singapore and beyond, while advancing vehicle production,” the company said.

It has achieved about 68 per cent logistics automation and 67 per cent manufacturing automation.

Hyundai noted that these figures are “significantly higher” than those of conventional manufacturing facilities.

“These gains translate into enhanced productivity, improved operational stability, and greater responsiveness to production changes,” it added.

The centre deploys more than 200 robots, including automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots. Among them is Spot, a four-legged mobile robot manufactured by Boston Dynamics.
 

The robots are designed to conduct AI-enabled inspections and event-driven quality solutions, including automated defect detection across equipment.

Hyundai said that its technologies are designed to support, not replace, human workers by taking on “repetitive, demanding, or potentially hazardous tasks”, while leaving higher-value responsibilities such as supervision and decision-making to employees.
 

The integration of AI demonstrates how advanced technologies can be embedded across daily operations, delivering measurable efficiency and a scalable model for future smart factories, the company said.

The hub is designed as an AI-orchestrated system in which “mobility, quality assurance, and human work processes are integrated as a whole”.
 

Beyond data-driven AI optimisation, the system reduces unnecessary movement, energy consumption, and material waste by ensuring that materials are delivered efficiently.

HMGICS also offers “immersive” brand experiences, including food and beverage concepts, and virtual reality applications. 

The centre houses a two-storey sustainable farm that uses advanced robotics and hydroponics to sustain up to 600 heads of vegetables daily.

Technologies and system designs developed at HMGICS have already been deployed across Hyundai’s global manufacturing sites, including in the US, and are designed for continuous upgrades and scalable adoption worldwide.
 

Source: The Business Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.