Unity & Hyundai developing Metaverse to accelerate Intelligent Manufacturing
Real-time 3D content platform Unity and South Korean automaker Hyundai have unveiled a new partnership at the Consumer Electronics Show 2022 to jointly design and build a new metaverse roadmap and platform for the 'Meta-Factory'.
Hyundai is aiming to become the first mobility company to build a Meta-factory - a digital-twin of a physical plant. The purpose of the Meta-factory is to provide a space for the firm to test numerous scenarios virtually, in order to assess, calculate and create optimal operation conditions, without employees needing to be onsite.
The collaboration should result in a real-time 3D virtual platform, which Hyundai says will be available to a broad group of its customers, offering them a more comprehensive range of services. Consumers will be able to trial, test and engage various automotive options digitally, before choosing which to transfer to physical vehicles.
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The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the companies also covers smart manufacturing, AI training and study as well as simulations for autonomous driving.
"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.
"Hyundai’s vision for the future including the digital twin of factory operations represents a significant technological step forward in manufacturing, with unlimited potential in its efficiency."
Hyundai plans to first apply the Meta-Factory concept to the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center facility in Singapore (HMGICS), as part of the automaker's initiative to create an open innovation hub for research and development.
Hyundai Motor Group President Youngcho Chi said that the Innovation Center, which is still under construction and set for completion by the end of the year, was set to become "a manufacturing innovation 'game-changer' through this world-class Meta-Factory collaboration".
"And HMGICS will lead the future innovation by introducing various technologies that will transform mobility paradigm through human-centred value chain innovation," Chi added.
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Due to be completed at the end of 2022, HMGICS will study a number of advanced technologies and mobility services and aims to further accelerate innovation in intelligent manufacturing, AI, 5G and other advanced technologies.
Country Manager Kim Insuk of Unity Korea said: "This MOU with Hyundai Motor Company represents Unity Korea’s first example of collaborating on future industries such as smart factories, robot simulation, and computer vision within a metaverse setting. We're thrilled to ally with Hyundai Motor Company, as it unfolds the future mobility business it envisions."
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