Hyundai Rotem taps Hyundai Motor smart factory tech for aerospace operations

by Kim Hee-su Posted : September 22, 2026, 17:15Updated : September 22, 2026, 17:15
Hyundai Rotem showcases an unmanned firefighting robot and a port automated guided vehicle at the 2025 Asia Machinery  Manufacturing Expo at KINTEX in Goyang Gyeonggi Province Courtesy of Hyundai Rotem
Hyundai Rotem showcases an unmanned firefighting robot and a port automated guided vehicle at the 2025 Asia Machinery & Manufacturing Expo at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Courtesy of Hyundai Rotem
SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Hyundai Rotem will introduce Hyundai Motor's artificial intelligence-based smart factory technology into its aerospace production operations to improve workplace safety and manufacturing quality.

The company said Tuesday it recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor for comprehensive technology cooperation aimed at automating production processes and reducing safety risks. 

Under the agreement, Hyundai Rotem plans to apply Hyundai Motor's automated manufacturing technologies to high-risk aerospace production processes. The company said greater automation could help prevent workplace accidents while improving production quality and minimizing potential disruptions to development and manufacturing schedules. 

The move comes as Hyundai Rotem expands its aerospace business. The company is working on ducted ramjet engines, hypersonic engines and methane engines for reusable launch vehicles, while also developing key technologies for a long-range air-to-air missile.

Hyundai Rotem also signed an investment agreement with North Jeolla Province and Muju County in March to invest about 300 billion won ($220 million) through 2034 in an aerospace production and research and development hub. 

"We will use advanced unmanned technologies to create a workplace free of safety accidents while ensuring the stable supply of high-quality engines and propulsion systems," a Hyundai Rotem official said.

AJP Takeaways

Hyundai Rotem will adopt Hyundai Motor’s AI-based smart factory technology at its aerospace production sites to improve workplace safety and manufacturing quality.

- The automation technology will be applied to high-risk aerospace processes as Hyundai Rotem expands work on ramjet, hypersonic and reusable launch vehicle engine technologies.

- Hyundai Rotem plans to invest about 300 billion won through 2034 to build an aerospace production and R&D hub in Muju, North Jeolla Province.