The Korean auto parts maker also aims to sell smart manufacturing technology to local and foreign auto parts makers in the future
South Korean auto parts maker Hyundai Wia Corp, part of the Hyundai Motor Group, announced plans to implement smart manufacturing solutions in order to improve production processes.
The firm said it will transform its car engine manufacturing factory into a smart facility which will be controlled by internet of things (IoT) technology to improve its production efficiency.
The company said it plans to apply IoT and big data technologies to its engine production factory in Seosan, in Chungcheong province, with the main aim of turning this facility into a smart factory by 2019.
The Asian auto parts maker explained that IoT sensors will be attached to machine tools to monitor the operation of machines in the factory in real time. These sensors will allow the company to detect unusual signs and prevent malfunction of machines. The firm also said it will introduce technologies for remote repair activities.
Built in 2015, Hyundai Wia’s Seosan factory produces 300,000 units of gasoline turbo engines and diesel engines per year. The company said that the implementation of smart manufacturing tools will improve the factory’s production efficiency.
Hyundai Wia also plans to sell its smart factory solutions to both Korean and foreign auto part makers. The company already formed a team early this year and has been gathering big data on its machine tools’ operation.
In June, Hyundai Group had announced the development of ‘smart tag’ technology, a wireless production control system to be implemented at the group’s factories.
The Korean conglomerate had already carried out trials of this smart tag at the beginning of the year at a number of the group’s manufacturing plants in South Korea, with plans to adopt the wireless control system at 34 factories around the world.
The smart tag system will be adopted in every stage of the production process, recording various information including the model number and the target market country, as well as the timeline of production from production facilities.
The new technology developed by Hyundai’s production technology development center, consists of a high-capacity memory, wireless chip and location-tracking sensor units. The smart tag has an embedded magnet, making it easy to attach the device on a steel chassis without tools.
Hyundai explained that the wireless chip can exchange car production information from memory systems with production facilities through a range of frequencies used exclusively in Hyundai and Kia factories. Korean car manufacturer Kia is controlled by the Hyunday Group.
