The city of Ulsan is embarking on an ambitious project to develop autonomous manufacturing technology based on Software-Defined Factory (SDF) systems. (Image courtesy of Ulsan City)
ULSAN, Dec. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – The city of Ulsan is embarking on an ambitious project to develop autonomous manufacturing technology based on Software-Defined Factory (SDF) systems, aimed at advancing its automotive industry capabilities.
The initiative kicks off with a two-day technical conference and workshop at the Westin Josun Busan beginning December 9, focusing on core AI autonomous manufacturing technology development based on SDF platforms.
SDF refers to manufacturing facilities that can continuously upgrade their production intelligence through software updates. These smart factories utilize data to improve production speed, reduce investment costs, and enhance product quality.
The event brings together about 30 representatives from various organizations and companies, including the city government, lead company Shutagen, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, the Korea University of Technology and Education, the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), and Hyundai Motor.
The first day is expected to feature presentations by research leaders from each institution followed by Q&A sessions, while the second day will focus on technical exchanges regarding the establishment of an SDF-based platform for advancing the automotive industry.
This development project comes after Ulsan’s successful bid in September for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s AI autonomous manufacturing pilot project. The initiative aims to connect automotive factory production elements through data and develop AI-based optimal autonomous manufacturing operations through integrated control data.
Shutagen will oversee the project and develop the SDF platform, while ETRI’s Ulsan Intelligent Convergence Research Laboratory will develop technologies related to real-virtual integrated testing and establish an autonomous manufacturing technology support center.
Other participants have specific roles: The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology’s Ulsan Technology Commercialization Division will handle metamodels and process control verification, the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials will develop IoT-connected equipment, and UNIST and Korea University of Technology and Education will develop AI-based manufacturing optimization and autonomous manufacturing technologies, respectively.
Hyundai, as the end-user, will demonstrate the SDF platform for AI-based autonomous manufacturing at its new electric vehicle factory currently under construction in Ulsan.
The city government, in collaboration with ETRI, will support the establishment of an autonomous manufacturing technology support center to assist medium-sized and small automotive manufacturing companies with technical consulting and process improvements.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
