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Hyundai Motor Group to deploy humanoid robots in new factories after 2032
Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a vision for 'autonomous operating factories' that integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital twin technology. At the E-FOREST Tech Day 2026, the company announced plans to deploy humanoid robots in new manufacturing facilities starting after 2032.
To achieve this, the group will use its Singapore Global Innovation Center (HMGICS) to refine virtual-based autonomous manufacturing systems by 2030. These technologies will then be scaled globally, including assembly and logistics automation at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia, USA, and advanced automation at the Ulsan EV plant in South Korea.
The strategy focuses on a Software-Defined Factory (SDF) model, transitioning from fragmented, plant-specific systems to a standardized global manufacturing platform. This includes the use of 'Polaris,' a manufacturing-specific AI agent that has already begun pilot operations in Ulsan to analyze equipment and quality data.
Hyundai emphasized that the goal of automation is not to replace human workers but to reassign them to safer, more critical roles. Humanoid robots and advanced robotics will handle high-difficulty assembly tasks, such as wiring harness installation, and hazardous duties like painting, allowing humans to focus on process management and quality improvement.
Entities
Choi Young-tae · Hyundai Motor Group · Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore · Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America · Kia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The goal is to create 'autonomous operating factories' where AI, robotics, and digital twins enable self-optimization. autotimes.co.kr · www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The group is transitioning to a Software-Defined Factory (SDF) structure to standardize manufacturing platforms globally. autotimes.co.kr · www.sportalkorea.com · www.hani.co.kr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Automation is intended to reassign humans to safer, more important tasks rather than reducing headcount. autotimes.co.kr · www.sportalkorea.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The company aims to advance virtual-based autonomous manufacturing systems at the Singapore Global Innovation Center (HMGICS) by 2030. autotimes.co.kr · www.sportalkorea.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 'Polaris' manufacturing-specific AI platform began pilot operations at the Ulsan EV plant in September. autotimes.co.kr · www.hani.co.kr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Humanoid robots will be used for complex assembly and hazardous tasks, such as wiring harness installation and painting. autotimes.co.kr · www.sportalkorea.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy humanoid robots in new factories starting after 2032. autotimes.co.kr · www.sportalkorea.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The company is developing technology to automatically generate robot movement paths, with a target completion date of June 2027. www.hani.co.kr