Hyundai Motor Group said it will push to localize production of actuators, control boards and charging systems, parts that account for a large share of costs in its robotics business.
Song Ho-deuk, an executive at Hyundai Motor, disclosed the plan on the 21st while presenting the group's strategy for building a robotics ecosystem at the National Assembly Forum on Strategies for the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Industry Ecosystem, held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Seoul's Yeongdeungpo district. The forum was organized by the Korea AI Robot Industry Association and co-hosted by the office of Rep. Lee Eon-ju of the Democratic Party of Korea, the party's Future Economic Growth Strategy Committee and the Forum on National Strategy in a Period of Shifting International Order.
"In developing robot components, we want to pursue localization focused on items that account for a high share of robot costs and carry high added value," Song said. The high-cost parts the group is considering for localization first include actuators that control a robot's drive units, control boards that house graphics processing units and charging-related systems.
Hyundai Motor Group also laid out a plan to develop physical AI-related components with domestic companies after first localizing the high-cost parts. Those include camera sensors, robot grippers and data collection equipment.
"We will create opportunities for domestic parts makers to quickly build competitiveness and expand into global markets together with us," Song said. "The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is actively imposing sanctions on finished robots and components, targeting China," he added. "If our companies rapidly advance their technology and secure cost competitiveness, they can build a strong foundation for growth."