Hyundai opens Innovation Center in Singapore
The Hyundai Motor Group has opened its first smart urban mobility hub in the small country of Singapore, dubbed as the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICS).
The facility which officially opened its doors last November 21, 2022 is not just any other facility as Hyundai says that it will drive innovation, redefining mobility, production, and customer experience.
The seven-storey, 86,900 sqm facility has the capability to manufacture 30,000 EVs per year. In fact, since it was made operational earlier this year, the HMGICS already produces the IONIQ 5 and the autonomous IONIQ 5 Robotaxi, with the IONIQ 6 to be added in the future.
It’s not all about manufacturing those vehicles though as HMGICS will serve as a test bed for developing future mobility solutions, including purpose-built vehicles (PBV) through human-centric intelligent automotive manufacturing technology, utilizing advanced next-generation production methods significantly evolved from traditional conveyor-belt manufacturing.
Right now, approximately 50% of all tasks within the facility are performed by around 200 robots which focus on assembly, inspection, production facility organization, and taking care of more than 60% of component process management, ordering, and transportation. Meanwhile, human employees are free to focus on more creative and productive duties.
For customers and visitors, a unique feature of the HMGICS are personal “Gurus” who will be available on-site for those who wish to learn more about Hyundai and its latest offerings. The Gurus can tour visitors around the facility, and can also accompany them on test drives around the Jurong Innovation District. For more thrill, customers can also ride with experiened driving instructors on the 618 meter-long Skytrack.
Finally, a Smart Farm which would help solve Singapore’s food production problems, especially with only 1% of agricultural land due to its small land area and rocky geology. The farm not only focuses on producing in a compact environment, but also enhances awareness by allowing visitors to interactively experience the farming process.
Now that’s a lot to do in one place and surely sounds interesting. Thankfully, public access will be possible soon. The Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore is located within the Jurong Innovation District of Singapore.
