Samsung, Hyundai team up to use private 5G network in car manufacturing
A Reduced Capability (RedCap) trial over a private 5G network jointly conducted by Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor is shown in this photo provided by Hyundai Motor. Yonhap
Samsung Electronics said Wednesday it has joined hands with Hyundai Motor to integrate its fifth-generation (5G) private network solutions with the carmaker's advanced vehicle manufacturing facilities.
The two companies recently completed the end-to-end Reduced Capability (RedCap) trial over a private 5G network and will showcase the technology during the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Spain, according to Samsung Electronics.
A private 5G network is a dedicated communication system, in which a company installs base stations and utilizes separate communication frequency bands for communication within the company or a specific area.
RedCap simplifies 5G connectivity for compact Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as industrial sensors and wearables, by reducing complexity and optimizing power efficiency while maintaining necessary data speeds.
This RedCap end-to-end test builds on Samsung Electronics' deployment of a private 5G network at Hyundai Motor's key manufacturing facility in October.
The companies have been collaborating to transform Hyundai Motor's Ulsan Plant, the world's single largest automobile plant, producing a daily average of 6,000 vehicles, into a smart factory.
Hyundai Motor plans to continuously expand RedCap private 5G networks to its newest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facilities and begin their operations in the first half of 2026.
"The recent collaboration with Hyundai Motor represents how the two leaders in their respective industries can creatively drive business innovation and unlock new real use cases by merging best-in-class expertise," said Simon Lee, vice president and head of the network business at Samsung Electronics.
"Samsung's RedCap-powered private 5G network solutions will open up more possibilities for enterprises, manufacturers and public institutions, serving as a gateway to driving more efficient 5G networks."
The 5G network partnership aligns with Samsung Group and Hyundai Motor Group's broader efforts to expand collaboration across EV batteries, mobility, information technology and robotics.
Samsung and Hyundai's cooperation dates back to June 2023, when Samsung Electronics unveiled plans to supply its latest automotive processor, the Exynos Auto V920, for Hyundai Motor's next-generation in-vehicle infotainment systems.
This was followed by a 2024 agreement to integrate Samsung's SmartThings IoT platform with Hyundai's software-defined vehicles, enhancing connectivity and smart vehicle functions.
In late 2023, Samsung SDI secured a seven-year contract to supply batteries for Hyundai Motor's EVs set to be produced in Europe from 2026 to 2032. This was the first battery supply contract signed between the two companies.
Earlier this week, Samsung SDI and Hyundai Motor further expanded their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop robot-specific batteries.
Additionally, Hyundai Motor plans to equip its luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) GV90 with Samsung SDI's prismatic batteries. (Yonhap)