Hyundai and Unity to build Metaverse Platform for Smart Manufacturing

Hyundai Motor has now partnered with a real-time 3D content developer and platform operator, Unity, to build a metaverse factory, which will employ digital twin technology.

Both the companies have signed a MoU for building a ‘new metaverse roadmap’ as a platform for meta factory at the time of CES 2022 in Las Vegas. Digital twins are virtual models of physical objects represented in virtual spaces.

John Riccitiello, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Unity, said, "Real-time digital twins will permanently change how we live, work, shop and make a positive impact on our planet, representing a significant component of what is often referred to as the metaverse. Hyundai’s vision for the future, including the digital twin of factory operations, represents a significant technological step forward in manufacturing with unlimited potential in its efficiency."

Youngcho Chi, President and Chief Innovation Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said, "HMGICS will become a manufacturing innovation "game-changer" through this world class Meta-Factory collaboration. And HMGICS will lead the future innovation by introducing various technologies that will transform mobility paradigm through human-centered value chain innovation.".

The MoU pertains to smart manufacturing, autonomous driving simulation and AI training; Hyundai is also seeking active partnership opportunities with other global companies such as Microsoft to further accelerate the advancement of smart factories.

Hyundai has also revealed its plans to first apply the meta factory concept to the Hyundai motor group innovation centre in Singapore facility, which supports the group initiative to create an open innovation hub for the R&D.

By the end of 2022, HMGICS will study various advanced technologies and mobility services.

The collaboration will further accelerate innovation in integrating AI, intelligent manufacturing, 5G, AI and some other advanced technologies into a next-gen smart factory platform.