Hyundai Mobis’ AI controls quality using sound

The auto parts maker has developed an acoustic AI system that uses sound to assess quality in manufacturing for products like its electric power steering system.

Hyundai Mobis' Acoustic AI system inspects product quality based only with production sounds at its manufacturing plant in Changwon, North Gyeongsang. [HYUNDAI MOBIS]

Hyundai Mobis has developed an Acoustic AI system that inspects product quality using only sound and noise, the auto parts maker said Wednesday.

The technology, specialized for the manufacturing scene, analyzes subtle sounds on the production line to determine quality accuracy. It can inspect a product in a second, which comes with improved precision and can sharply cut time.

Hyundai Mobis already applied the Acoustic AI system in its plant in Changwon, where it produces electric power steering (EPS).

The plant produces some 1.3 million units of EPS annually, with the production process involving 23 stages, from component assembly to vibration and noise inspection.

Traditionally, an automated system filters defective products, which is then followed by a manual reevaluation by specialized workers. Now with the Acoustic AI system, noise checks are done by connecting actual power to the EPS. The sound generated by the rotating motor creates a waveform that the AI analyzes to identify deviations or anomalies.

“This initiative marks a pioneering example of process innovation not only in the automotive sector but across the global manufacturing industry,” said Choi Nak-hyun, head of digital transformation at Hyundai Mobis. “We will continue introducing differentiated AI-based technologies for production, R&D and improvements in work environments.”

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]