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Hyundai
Motor transforms headquarters into robot-friendly workplace
By Lee
Min-hyung, The Korea Times - Hyundai Motor Group is signaling its broader
transformation into a robot-friendly mobility firm by deploying a range of
advanced service robots throughout the carmaker's renovated headquarters lobby.
The
initiative aligns with the group’s much-touted vision to evolve into a physical
artificial intelligence (AI) firm. At this year’s CES tech fair in January, the
carmaker drew attention for presenting its robotics vision to become a leading
physical AI player in the mobility sector.
The
firm has introduced three robot services as part of its headquarters remodeling
project: the DAL-e Gardener watering robot, DAL-e Delivery robot and the
quadruped Spot security robot.
DAL-e
Gardener assists facility managers by autonomously watering plants placed
throughout the lobby. Equipped with advanced sensors, the robot can recognize
plants, soil and flower beds in three-dimensional spaces. Its robotic arm,
capable of vertical movement and six-axis rotation, enables precise watering.
DAL-e
Delivery transports beverages from the first-floor cafe to pickup zones on each
floor. Employees can place orders through a mobile app, after which the robot
autonomously delivers drinks to designated locations. It can carry up to 16
beverages simultaneously and uses facial recognition technology to verify
recipients.
Spot,
developed with the quadruped robotics platform from Boston Dynamics, has been
integrated with Hyundai Motor Group’s autonomous driving module, enabling it to
patrol the building independently and provide continuous security monitoring.
To
support the robot ecosystem, Hyundai Motor and Kia introduced robot-exclusive
charging stations and elevators inside the building. The robots autonomously
recharge at designated “robot stations” and move between floors without human
assistance.
The
latest lobby renovation itself reflects Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair
Chung Euisun's vision of creating a more open and collaborative workplace
culture.
"This renovation was not simply about redesigning a space,” Chung said during a town hall meeting, Thursday. “It was a process of rethinking how we can build a better working environment while carrying forward the experiences, achievements and ideas accumulated here over many years.”
The
remodeled lobby spans from the basement level to the fourth floor, covering
approximately 36,000 square meters — equivalent to about five football fields.
Hyundai
Motor said the redesigned space is intended to encourage spontaneous
communication, collaboration and creative exchanges among employees.
"When we prepare for the lobby renovation, the keyword was communication,” Chung said. “We need to be more flexible to better understand customers. Each employee and executive have great ideas and capabilities, and we will be able to create much bigger achievement, once we connect them one another.”
