The two companies will be focusing on developing innovative solutions for smart manufacturing, connectivity and electric vehicles.
Hyundai Motor Company recently announced that it will be partnering with Singaporean telecommunications giant Singtel Group Enterprise to enable smart manufacturing and improved 5G connectivity for electric vehicles (EVs) on the island. According to Singtel’s managing director for government and large enterprise, Andrew Lim, the collaboration is in line with the recent budget announcement by the Singapore government on new policies that aim to encourage more Singaporeans to switch to EVs. The country already plans to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in late March to work on a variety of projects involving smart manufacturing and the monitoring of EV battery performance for new EV battery subscription services. The pair will also be establishing a city innovation center to conduct studies on future mobility.
Singtel is providing its advanced Internet of Things (IoT) communication system that offers telemetry, which allows for the automatic data transmission of battery status and performance in real time. This is expected to improve the reliability of EVs through the use of data-driven insights. Hyundai will also be using Singtel’s technology to develop more Industry 4.0 advanced digital solutions that will enhance the automotive manufacturing process. The two companies will be developing a new 5G-enabled smart factory use case for the new Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS). The South Korean auto company is already planning to eventually deploy these new 5G-enabled smart manufacturing platforms across its global manufacturing centers.
The concept for the HMGICS was first announced back in October 2020 and was introduced as a “one-stop advanced manufacturing hub.” The 44,000-square-meter facility was designed to house the research and development of innovative mobility solutions that aim to transform commuters’ transport experience. It is currently expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
According to Singtel and Hyundai, these joint efforts will work toward “advancing Singapore’s EV ecosystem and Smart Nation vision of connected and sustainable mobility solutions.”
Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative is among the government’s goals to transform the city through digital innovation and advancements. This includes investing in more research and development facilities, making data more accessible to the public, and enhancing mobility for the future transport system through autonomous technology and public transportation data.
Hyundai expressed its support for Singapore’s Smart Nation in a press release announcing its collaboration with Singtel.
“Hyundai is delighted to work with Singtel, implementing next-generation communication solutions that will enhance mobility experiences for our customers,” shared Hong Bum Jung, senior vice president of HMGICS at Hyundai Motor Company. “We also hope to explore future innovative solutions and business opportunities with Singtel to help realize Singapore’s Smart Nation vision.”
In addition, Singtel announced that it is now using Amazon Web Services (AWS) Outposts along with 5G connectivity to develop its Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) infrastructure product. The company says the MECs with AWS Outposts can now be accessed from the closest Singtel site. This will allow businesses to operate applications that utilize AWS tools with ultra-low latency data processing.
