Hyundai Motor Company and real-time 3D content platform provider Unity will jointly design and build a new metaverse roadmap and platform for a Meta-Factory, due to be completed by the end of the year.
The companies held a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony at CES 2022. Through this MOU Unity becomes a strategic partner to Hyundai, which the company said supports its vision of becoming the leader in future mobility solutions.
The MOU applies to smart manufacturing, AI training and study, as well as autonomous driving simulation. The introduction of a Meta-Factory will allow Hyundai to test-run a factory virtually in order to calculate the optimised plant operation, and enable plant managers to solve problems without having to physically visit the plant.
“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,” said John Riccitiello, CEO of Unity. “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.”
The collaboration will also culminate in a real-time 3D and virtual platform which will reach a group of Hyundai customers, offering them a comprehensive range of services across sales, marketing, and customer experience. This will result in consumers could trial, test and engage various auto related solutions digitally, before choosing which to transfer to physical vehicles.
Additionally, Hyundai plans to first apply the Meta-Factory concept to the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre (HMGICS) in Singapore.
Due to be completed at the end of 2022, HMGICS will study advanced technologies and mobility services. At HMGICS, Hyundai and Unity’s partnership will work to further accelerate intelligent manufacturing, integrating AI and 5G into a next-generation smart factory platform.
“HMGICS will become a manufacturing innovation “game changer” through this world class Meta-Factory collaboration”, said Youngcho Chi, president, and chief innovation officer of Hyundai Motor Group.
“And HMGICS will lead the future innovation by introducing various technologies that will transform mobility paradigm through human-centred value chain innovation.”
Hyundai will also continue to pursue active partnership opportunities with other global partners such as Microsoft to further develop the smart factory concept.
Read more: Hyundai unveils Plug & Drive robotic module at CES
