Hyundai Wia commercializes autonomous logistics robots

Hyundai Wia Corp.‘s autonomous logistics robot [Photo provided by Hyundai Wia]

Hyundai Wia Corp., a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, said on Tuesday it is commercializing its item-carrying robot business, starting with the autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) and Hyundai Mobis’ U.S. factory in 2024.

HMGMA, which is under construction, is a dedicated electric vehicle plant.

The AMR is divided into two models with a maximum payload of 1,000 kilograms and 300 kilograms, and through LiDAR sensors, the robot maps the factory in real time and moves itself to transport items.

When mapping, the logistics robot can categorize hazardous areas separately to create optimal routes. The LiDAR sensor is supplemented by a 3D camera to improve driving stability. The robot uses the LiDAR sensor to identify obstacles and cameras to see what the LiDAR cannot cover to ensure it can avoid collisions during movement.

In addition, the combination of Internet of Internet and artificial intelligence technologies enables the robot to understand the situation and environment in the factory, and to respond flexibly to changes in process and quantity, or simultaneous use of different types of robots, according to the company.

The AGV is responsible for moving car bodies and parts along a predetermined route to increase productivity.

Hyundai Wia plans to develop AMRs and AGVs by applying the integrated modular architecture (IMA) system. IMA, which has recently been applied to the development of automobiles, is a way to quickly meet the diverse needs of customers through standardization and modularization of key components.