Hyundai is introducing AI. Photo: Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Group is showcasing its progress in implementing artificial intelligence across the group, as part of an event held at the company's headquarters in Seoul under the title "Beyond AI, Transforming the Way We Work."
Hyundai Motor Group presented the digital transformation process it has been leading since 2019 and the transition to implementing AI in work processes and business activities.
Hyundai emphasizes that the infrastructure for implementing AI has been built over the years through a shift to a digital workspace, improved information sharing, and the creation of an organizational data infrastructure. As part of this, the group implemented platforms for project management, task tracking, and knowledge sharing, alongside Microsoft 365 as a cloud-based workspace.
A key component of the process is the Global One Data Pipeline, through which the group connects data from R&D, manufacturing, quality and sales. The goal is to enable data to be used throughout the value chain, so that information generated during development can be used in manufacturing and quality management, and sales data can contribute to product and process improvement.
The group has expanded its use of AI through H Chat Pro, its enterprise AI platform, which allows employees to use external AI models, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, in a secure environment.
Since 2025, the platform has been available to general employees across the group, not just specific units. In July 2026, the number of active users of H Chat Pro exceeded 30,000 employees, representing approximately 80% of Hyundai and Kia's general employee population.
Uses include document writing, information retrieval, data analysis, and software development. The group notes that even employees who do not come from a software development background have begun to create dedicated AI agents for various business needs.
At the same time, the group operates training programs for employees and senior managers and encourages the sharing of knowledge and experience in using AI tools.
One of the applications presented is Crash Safety AI Assistant, a system designed to assist engineers in searching, comparing, and analyzing information gathered from crash tests and safety studies.
The system centralizes test results, images, and engineering analysis data, allowing engineers to examine information according to parameters such as test conditions, vehicle structure, impact mechanisms, and improvement steps.
According to Hyundai, using the system reduced the time required to locate relevant cases and review analysis materials by about 90%, compared to the previous workflow.
In manufacturing, the group is using AI to improve quality control and operational efficiency. One application is the AI Automation Recognition Service, which uses cameras and computer vision technology to automatically read chassis numbers and verify in real time that the vehicle on the production line matches the system's records.
The service is already being used in about 70 production processes at Hyundai and Kia plants in Korea, the United States, Europe, India and the Asia-Pacific region. According to the company, its use leads to annual savings of about 5.24 billion won, about $3.9 million.
Another application uses reinforcement learning-based AI to optimize the paths of carts that move parts between different areas of the assembly line. The company reports that the technology has reduced downtime caused by cart disruptions by 86%.
In addition, the group has launched E-FOREST: POLARIS, an AI platform for industry that enables manufacturing engineers to build, test, and deploy AI agents in manufacturing environments. The agents integrate professional knowledge in areas such as quality management, production planning, equipment maintenance, and logistics.
Hyundai, Kia and Genesis service systems are also using AI tools. Service centers outside Korea use a system based on a large language model, which helps technicians identify faults and make recommendations for treatment based on maintenance manuals and service records.
According to the company, the system reduced the time it took to handle problems by about 42%.
In the customer service area, an automated system operates to analyze customer responses and reviews. The system categorizes reviews by topic and sentiment, generates suggested responses, and flags cases that require human attention.
The use of the system has reduced the average review handling time from 35 minutes to about 5 minutes. Hyundai plans to begin fully automating the review response process starting in September 2026.
Hyundai Motor Group sees AI adoption as part of a broader transformation of how the organization works, rather than simply adopting new technology. The group now plans to expand the capabilities built through digital transformation and AI into the realm of "Physical AI," where AI systems operate and are integrated into the physical world.
The move will focus on areas where the group already has data and operational knowledge, including vehicles, robotics, manufacturing and service.
Eunsook Jin, President and Head of ICT Management Division at Hyundai Motor Group: " AI is undoubtedly an important technology, but ultimately it is a tool that companies must utilize. What matters is not the technology itself, but how quickly an organization can understand new technologies, including AI, apply them to its work and business, and internalize them as a source of competitive advantage. Building on our ongoing digital transformation efforts, Hyundai Motor Group is expanding AI transformation through the integration of AI and other intelligent technologies."