Hyundai’s AI Factory in Singapore: Building Personalized Cars in Just Six Hours

Singapore site makes 70 Ioniq 5s per shift with 29 technicians.

Introduction

Hyundai has revolutionized the car manufacturing process by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic technology. The company’s new Innovation Centre in Singapore showcases a “Smart” facility that can build and deliver cars within six hours of receiving an order. This facility, currently producing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and soon the Hyundai Ioniq 6, serves as a test bed for similar sites that will be established worldwide. These electric car factories are designed to cater to local urban markets, focusing on personalization and customer experience to elevate the brand’s status.

A Unique Customer Experience

The Singapore facility is not just a factory; it is a customer experience center. Customers can interact closely with Hyundai throughout the car-building process. It begins in the “Ioniq Lounge,” where customers can create and order their bespoke Hyundai, with exclusive options available only at the site. They are then taken to a virtual reality suite to witness a simulation of their car being created. A screen rises to reveal the actual factory floor and the physical car. Afterward, customers can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves produce grown in Hyundai’s robotically maintained Smart Farm. They can also witness their car being test driven on the factory’s roof test track. Finally, the completed car is delivered to the foyer by autonomous robots.

The Rise of Personalization

Hyundai’s push towards customization is driven by the increasing value proposition of personalization. The company plans to introduce a full “mass personalization” strategy across its wider lineup in the coming years to capitalize on this growing trend.

AI at the Helm

The Singapore facility’s workforce combines human expertise with AI technology. A meta factory, or digital twin, runs simulations to optimize operations, such as deploying robots efficiently for upcoming jobs. The goal is to allow AI to lead day-to-day operations and future planning, with human oversight from a digital command center. The aim is to achieve an autonomous system by 2027, where AI makes decisions and humans confirm them.

Efficient Manufacturing

The Singapore factory utilizes cell-based manufacturing, a flexible production method that enables multiple models to be produced simultaneously without reconfiguring stations. With the help of AI-powered robots, the factory operates with just 29 technicians during an eight-hour shift while producing 70 cars per day. This streamlined approach allows for more technical jobs and upskilling opportunities for workers.

Future Possibilities

Hyundai envisions its Smart factories as hubs for a shared mobility model. The company plans to develop vehicles with interchangeable interiors, allowing for easier production and customization based on specific tasks or contexts. These purpose-built vehicles could serve various needs, such as on-the-go meetings or transportation for factory workers. Additionally, starting from 2028, the production lines will be capable of building Hyundai’s Urban Air Mobility vehicles.

In conclusion, Hyundai’s AI-powered factory in Singapore represents the future of car manufacturing. By combining AI technology, robotics, and a focus on personalization, Hyundai aims to deliver an exceptional customer experience while improving efficiency and productivity.