Central Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java – In a significant move towards technological advancement and local collaboration, PT Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI) welcomed a research team from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) for a visit on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. This visit marks a pivotal point in the ongoing joint research and development efforts between HMMI and ITB, focusing on the development of advanced voice-command features utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
A Strong Partnership for Innovation
Bong Kyu Lee, the President Director of PT Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership established with ITB. “We are very satisfied with the cooperation that has been established with ITB so far. We believe that through continuous collaboration with the world of Indonesian education and research such as this, technology and applications from Hyundai’s advanced technology can get the best function formula,” Lee said during the visit.
The collaboration, which began in 2023, is set to continue for the next few years, underscoring the commitment of both parties to long-term innovation. The primary aim of this joint research is to collect and analyze data that will support the development of Hyundai’s interactive voice command features, making them more efficient and user-friendly for Indonesian consumers.
Advancing Technology with Local Relevance
One of the unique aspects of this research is its focus on local relevance. The Head of Lembaga Pengembangan Inovasi dan Kewirausahaan (LPiK) ITB, Ir. R. Sugeng Joko Sarwono, M.T., Ph.D., highlighted this during the visit. “ITB strives to become an institution that reflects Indonesia’s localities but remains globally oriented. Therefore, this voice recognition project was developed not only using the latest technology but also related to the Indonesian people as technology users. Our hope is that cooperation between ITB and Hyundai can continue,” he stated.
By integrating local linguistic nuances and user behaviors into the AI-driven voice command systems, Hyundai aims to create a feature that is not only technologically advanced but also deeply attuned to the needs of Indonesian users. This effort aligns with Hyundai’s broader commitment to growing and developing in synergy with the local community.
Enhancing the Industrial Ecosystem
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia’s commitment to Indonesia extends beyond academic collaborations. The company is also actively involved in training programs for local suppliers, aiming to enhance their research and development capabilities. Through these capability improvement programs, local suppliers are trained and certified by Hyundai’s principles, enabling them to design components independently and meet global standards.
This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of technological advancements and knowledge transfer are widely distributed, fostering a robust industrial ecosystem in Indonesia. It is a testament to Hyundai’s dedication to contributing to the local economy and enhancing the country’s technological landscape.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Bong Kyu Lee is optimistic about the potential benefits of this collaboration. “In the future, we hope that collaboration can bring good benefits to all parties and more importantly, realizing the best mobility for Indonesia’s future,” he concluded.
The partnership with ITB is just one facet of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia’s broader vision. Established in 2019, HMMI is a manufacturing subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company and represents Hyundai’s latest investment in Indonesia. The ASEAN Manufacturing Hub in Kota Deltamas, Central Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, is a significant component of this vision.
With an investment of approximately USD 1.55 billion through 2030, the new facility began commercial production in the second half of 2021. It currently boasts an annual capacity of 150,000 units, with a target to reach 250,000 units per year at full capacity. This facility not only serves the local Indonesian market but also exports Hyundai products to major markets across the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, South, Central, and North America.
Commitment to Excellence
The establishment of the HMMI plant and the ongoing collaborations with ITB and local suppliers highlight Hyundai’s commitment to excellence and innovation. By investing in cutting-edge technology and fostering strong local partnerships, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia is poised to play a crucial role in the future of automotive technology and mobility solutions in Indonesia.
The collaboration with ITB, in particular, stands out as a model of how academia and industry can work together to drive technological progress. By leveraging the expertise of ITB’s researchers and the technological capabilities of Hyundai, the partnership is set to yield significant advancements in AI-driven voice command features.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia continues to grow and innovate, the future looks promising. The company’s dedication to local collaboration, technological advancement, and capacity building is paving the way for a new era of mobility in Indonesia. With projects like the AI-driven voice command research, HMMI is not just keeping pace with global technological trends but is also setting new benchmarks for localized innovation.