Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a wireless smart tag system to bring its car production a step closer to zero defect by further decreasing human intervention.

The smart tag can control a car manufacturing process in real time wirelessly and requires no need to manually check car types and specifications on the assembly line. Once installed, multiple accessory tools to monitor cars in production such as ultrasound sensors and barcode scanners are no longer necessary, allowing the company to save money, according to the company. Real-time data collection is also expected to enable immediate response to even a small error.

It is the first time the company to apply the smart tag system. The system was tested and validated at some of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors’ plants and will soon be applied to all 34 plants around the world, transforming them into smart factories, Hyundai Motor Group said on Thursday.

The new technology developed by its production technology development center consists of a high-capacity memory, wireless chip and location-tracking sensor units. It has an embedded magnet, making it easy to attach the device on a steel chassis without tools.

The small-sized tag enables two-way wireless communication between a car on the assembly line and an array of production equipment, sending and receiving key processing information such as car type, shipment destination and stocking order to and from surrounding machines. A wireless communication chip is thus integral to this system. It uses a frequency band unique to each plant, sharing car production and location data with in-plant equipment. All data are stored on a central server.

By Park Chang-young

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]