LG's generative artificial intelligence (AI) model, EXAONE, is being applied to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) production sites. Attention is focused on whether this will serve as a catalyst for expanding big tech AI technologies to SMEs.
According to industry sources on Aug. 5, LG Electronics Inc. has been carrying out a smart factory transformation project for SMEs in collaboration with South Gyeongsang Province since the first half of the year.
Going beyond equipment automation, the project focuses on building an autonomous smart manufacturing environment where EXAONE-based AI agents independently learn from and analyze field data for vision inspection, injection molding and pressing processes, and predictive maintenance of equipment.
Under this model, AI replaces data-wise the inspection processes previously verified visually by humans and equipment management that relied on experience. LG Electronics dispatched production technology experts to the sites to diagnose the entire production process and supported the adoption of advanced technologies such as automation, AI, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The solutions introduced for each company were configured differently to fit their respective production sites. Ohsung Co., located in Changwon, built an EXAONE-based AI vision inspection and automation system. Kyungsung Precision, located in Gimhae, adopted an EXAONE-based injection molding management system and automated equipment.
Shinsung Delta Tech Co., located in Changwon, established an AI-based Fault Detection and Classification (FDC) system and equipment history management system. Sangil Costem, located in Gimhae, integrated an EXAONE-based intelligent safety prevention solution into its press automation equipment. Seyoung Technology, located in Changwon, carried out upgrades to its Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to integrate production data and support AI-based decision-making.
Gimi Electronics, located in Gimhae, built a robot platform and AI agent that automates oven exterior inspection. AJU Steel Co., located in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, linked AI to its premium steel material mass production process to introduce a model for optimizing equipment process quality. Neoplatech, located in North Gyeongsang Province, constructed an AI-based equipment anomaly detection and predictive maintenance system. Samchun Industrial Co., located in Changwon, built an equipment predictive maintenance system for its drum damper assembly line and automated the assembly and inspection processes.
An official from LG Electronics said, “To strengthen the manufacturing competitiveness of our partners, we are actively supporting smart factories and AI-based manufacturing innovation to practice shared growth,” adding, “We will share our smart factory operation experience and manufacturing innovation know-how with partners and continue win-win activities so that our partners can achieve sustainable growth.”
Until now, SME manufacturers have faced difficulties in adopting AI due to a shortage of specialized personnel, the burden of initial investment costs, and insufficient data utilization capabilities.
A manufacturing industry official said, “From the perspective of SME manufacturers, being able to adopt proven AI technologies from large corporations positions this as a practical manufacturing innovation alternative that goes beyond a simple win-win support model.” As previous AI transformations by large corporations were mostly focused on headquarters or affiliates, this project could serve as a touchstone to expand the base to secondary and tertiary partners.
The results of this collaboration will be disclosed externally through participation in a joint pavilion at the Physical AI and Smart Factory Industry Exhibition in October and an outcome-sharing event. Participating companies will also conduct field visits to leading manufacturing AI Transformation (AX) companies located in Tianjin, China, in the second half of the year.
They plan to visit and learn by comparison from leading manufacturing AX companies among LG Electronics' overseas suppliers across various sectors, including injection molding, painting, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and motors.
