[Courtesy of LG Electronics]
LG has transformed its factory complex in the southern industrial city of Changwon into LG Smart Park, a futuristic hub of home appliance manufacturing by adopting a digitally-enabled end-to-end 3D logistics system and an advanced analytics system based on edge computing technology and machine learning that predicts defects. It is South Korea's third lighthouse factory after those run by POSCO and LS Electric.
"We are presenting a blueprint for the future of manufacturing, one that delivers better outcomes across environmental, economic and employment aspects," LG's home appliance and air solution business head Lyu Jae-cheol said in a statement on March 31. LG would expand the application of smart production technologies to other production facilities in 13 countries.
Using digital twin technology, the factory's operation system can analyze production processes in virtual reality. Sensors utilizing deep learning technology monitor each phase of production in real-time, helping factory workers to preemptively identify and resolve any possible issues. An overhead conveyor system quickly transports boxes containing refrigerator parts. Attached to each line is an intelligent warehouse that monitors inventory in real-time.
On the ground, automated guided vehicles leveraging stable 5G network connectivity transport parts and materials. Robots featuring an AI engine and camera make the home appliance production process faster and safer. They undertake dangerous and complicated tasks, such as welding and the lifting of heavy parts and equipment.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
