Hyundai Motor teams up with Unity to build metaverse facility

Hyundai Motor Co. (HMC) has partnered with a real-time 3D content developer and platform operator Unity to build a metaverse factory, which will employ digital twin technology. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for building a ‘new metaverse roadmap’ as a ‘platform for Meta-Factory’ during CES 2022 in Las Vegas. Digital twins are virtual models of physical objects, represented in virtual spaces.

The MoU pertains to the fields of smart manufacturing, AI training and study as well as autonomous driving simulation. The South Korean carmaker is also seeking active partnership opportunities with other global companies such as Microsoft in order to further accelerate the advancement of smart factories.

“The introduction of a Meta-Factory will allow Hyundai to test-run a factory virtually in order to calculate the optimized plant operation, and enable plant managers to solve problems without having to physically visit the plant. The partnership will also culminate in a real-time 3D and virtual platform which will reach a broad group of Hyundai customers, offering them a more comprehensive range of services across sales, marketing, and customer experience,” HMC said in a statement.  

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HMC has also announced its plans to first apply the Meta-Factory concept to the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICS) facility, supporting the Group’s initiative to create an open innovation hub for research and development. Due to be completed at the end of 2022, HMGICS will study many advanced technologies and mobility services.

Youngcho Chi, President and Chief Innovation Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said, “HMGICS will lead the future innovation by introducing various technologies that will transform mobility paradigm through human-centred value chain innovation.”

The partnership will further accelerate innovation in the field of intelligent manufacturing, integrating AI, 5G and other advanced technologies into a next-generation smart factory platform, the statement read.

“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, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Unity.