NTU Singapore and Hyundai partner to develop advanced EV solutions
September 6, 2021
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Hyundai Motor Group have entered into an agreement to conduct a series of joint research projects focusing on advanced solutions for the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) and to develop future mobility solutions. Four pilot projects on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Additive Manufacturing will be explored in the initial stage which starts this month.
These projects aim to develop solutions that can transform conventional car manufacturing facilities into state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 factories. One such project will look at integrating AM in electric vehicle manufacturing. Researchers will explore how AM machines can be effectively used in the customisation of automotive components, and how they may be implemented in a smart factory operation. This is intended to support the smart manufacturing vision, where customers can order and customise a car model to their taste.
NTU President Professor Subra Suresh, stated, “The partnership between NTU and Hyundai Motor Group provides one more example of how our close collaboration with industry plays an important role in developing relevant solutions to address real world issues. This is in line with the NTU 2025 strategic plan, which aims to address some of the grand challenges facing humanity. This collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group will build on NTU’s core strengths, in areas such as Additive Manufacturing, AI, autonomous and electric vehicles, and big data to bring about benefits to the automotive industry, Singapore and the global society.”
NTU Senior Vice President (research) Professor Lam Khin Yong and Hyundai Motor Group Senior Vice President Hong Bum Jung signed the collaboration agreement at a ceremony held at NTU on September 1. It was witnessed by Professor Suresh and Youngcho Chi, president & Chief Innovation Officer of Hyundai Motor Group.
The signing ceremony follows an earlier announcement made in October 2020 during the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre in Singapore (HMGICS). During the ceremony, NTU was announced as the first academic research partner for the Group’s HMGICS initiative.
Youngcho Chi added, “HMGICS aims to build an ecosystem for the future mobility industry based on open innovation. We are going to strengthen collaboration with NTU and develop advanced solutions to revolutionise future mobility value chain going forward.”
The HMGICS is an open research facility for the Group’s future mobility research and development. Located at Singapore’s Jurong Innovation District, the construction of HMGICS is expected to be completed at the end of 2022. The facility will reportedly be a five-minute drive from the NTU Smart Campus, which is intended as a living testbed of innovative digital and tech-enabled solutions.
Aside from research and development projects, the latest agreement also hopes to pave the way for future collaborations aimed at nurturing talent in the automotive sector. For example, the partners will launch AM competitions, focusing on the innovative use of the technology in automotive engineering. The aim is to drive interest in EV manufacturing and to encourage undergraduates to imagine what future mobility could look like. At the same time, the competition will be an opportunity for people to gain insights into the benefits of AM technology in EVs.
Joint educational seminars will also provide a platform for industrial experts from Hyundai and NTU academics to exchange ideas and build skills.
