Cheonan Smart Factory Initiates AI and Robot-Based Intelligent Production Innovation
AI+Humanoid Robots: Targeting the Global Manufacturing Innovation Market
ILE, a new technology materials company, is embarking on establishing an intelligent manufacturing automation system that combines AI and humanoid robots, aiming to target the global manufacturing innovation market. On the 20th, ILE announced that it will launch a full automation project based on humanoid robots at the Cheonan Smart Factory. This project aims to go beyond mere automation by implementing a fully unmanned production system that integrates AI, robot, and sensor technologies.
With this, ILE plans to significantly enhance the core elements of manufacturing competitiveness, including quality consistency, cost reduction, and delivery responsiveness. Previously, ILE completed a “one-stop production system” at the group level through the relocation of its subsidiary ILE CELION’s Cheonan plant. This new project is the next step, expanding into “full automation and intelligent production innovation.”
Humanoid Robots: Accelerating Paradigm Shift in Manufacturing
Globally, the use of humanoid robots in manufacturing is increasing, with these robots being deployed on actual production lines to perform complex processes such as transportation, assembly, and inspection. According to Morgan Stanley, the global humanoid robot market is projected to grow to $60 trillion (approximately 8 quintillion won) by 2035.
Humanoid robots equipped with AI can recognize the shape and position of parts, optimize operational movements, and reconfigure processes in response to changes in the production environment. This enables them to perform non-standard tasks, such as material transport, tool changes, and collaborative work, which existing automation facilities find challenging. As a result, companies can secure manufacturing environments with enhanced process flexibility, reduced defect rates, cost savings, and 24/7 unmanned operation.
Cheonan Smart Factory to Apply Intelligent Humanoids, Plans for Expansion into Other Industries
ILE plans to initially deploy humanoid robots at ILE Mobility and the Cheonan Smart Factory to automate transportation, assembly, packaging, and inspection processes in stages. In the long term, they aim to build a fully automated manufacturing system with complete unmanning of all processes.
An ILE representative stated, “Humanoid robots are no longer futuristic but have become critical infrastructure determining manufacturing competitiveness. For small and medium-sized manufacturing companies where productivity improvement and workforce acquisition are equally important, this could be a turning point for industrial survival.” They further added, “We will expand automation technology and operational know-how based on AI and robots accumulated at the Cheonan Smart Factory to various manufacturing fields, including the mobility industry, and present a production innovation model applicable to the global market.”