SAMSUNG SDI is advancing its smart factory system to eliminate defective products and to maximize logistics efficiency. 

A smart factory refers to ‘an intelligent manufacturing operation system’, realizing automation, unmanned technology, autonomous operation based on the data collected across all processes. SAMSUNG SDI began building smart factories in 2009, and is now advancing them through the adoption of AI and big data technologies.

In the beginning of this year, SAMSUNG SDI completed the transition to a next-generation MES optimized for EV battery production at its major global subsidiaries. MES is a software-based solution that automatically manages various information such as production, processes and equipment and processes the collected data before providing it to relevant departments.

SAMSUNG SDI’s next-generation MES enhances and integrates the functions of previous MES systems at each production site. This advanced system allows for the faster collection and analysis of a larger volume of data. The data is also used in conjunction with AI technologies to detect abnormalities in equipment or process quality and to enable automated control. As a result, equipment failures can be prevented in advance, and the outflow of defective products can be blocked. 

SAMSUNG SDI also continues to improve logistics efficiency. To optimize logistics operation, digital twin technology was implemented. Digital twin is a technology that replicates real-world machines, equipment, and objects in a virtual environment, allowing potential issues to be identified and addressed in advance. SAMSUNG SDI’s digital twin technology minimizes risks by predicting real-time potential issues such as logistic delays. At the same time, it allows for accurate forecasting of area usage and investment costs based on factory layout design, which helps shorten the overall design period. SAMSUNG SDI also plans to apply this technology to its future production system to optimize production schedules. 

[SAMSUNG SDI’s digital twin technology]

SAMSUNG SDI has been working to advance logistics system. SAMSUNG SDI introduced logistics automation system in production sites at home and abroad, starting with Cheonan M line in 2018 and TSDI in 2019.

Key components include ASRS* for storing materials and products, as well as AMR** and OHT*** systems for automating logistics transport between processes. Recently, the company has expanded the scope of logistics automation to major production hubs such as Hungary and North America. 

*ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System): A system that automatically stores and retrieves products and materials in warehouses.

**AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot): An unmanned vehicle used for transporting materials within manufacturing processes, a core facility of logistics automation

***OHT (Overhead Hoist Transport): An overhead automated transport system used for material handling within manufacturing facilities. 

SAMSUNG SDI plans to continue expanding its smart factory systems to consistently produce high-quality products and improve manufacturing efficiency.