Korens tapped for gov’t-backed AI manufacturing initiative

Seen above is a production line for Korens' exhaust gas recirculation cooling system / Courtesy of Korens

Korens, an auto parts maker specializing in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) components, has been selected for the government-backed artificial intelligence (AI) manufacturing support program, the company said Tuesday.

The company is best known for its EGR cooling products, in which Korens maintains the world’s largest market share.

Korens’ participation in the government-led project will allow the company to transform its factory into one powered by AI and energy innovation.

The firm aims to implement a Korean-style AI system to make decisions and operate autonomously without human intervention.

Korens expects the application of the AI system to yield significant improvements in its overall manufacturing process, including a 60 percent reduction in process setup time, a 50 percent decrease in defect rates and more than 30 percent lower dependency on manual labor, according to the company.

The company is also on track to modernize its production lines. The company is now deploying digital twin technology to create a virtual replica of its factory. This allows the firm to simulate equipment status and production workflows, identifying potential problems in advance.

For instance, if a system defect is detected in a specific machine, it can use the digital twin to predict breakdowns and recommend preventive maintenance. This will help the company increase equipment uptime and reduce defects.

Energy efficiency is another key element of the firm’s smart factory strategy. The company has introduced a facility energy management system (FEMS) to monitor and control energy usage in real time across the factory.

The FEMS analyzes energy consumption patterns from the entire plant down to individual machines, detects anomalies early and automatically adjusts the operation of critical equipment to minimize idling time.

Korens also integrates solar power systems to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions to contribute more to its environmental, social and governance goals.

“With our AI-driven autonomous factory and data-driven infrastructure, we are confident in our ability to secure a competitive edge from rivals,” an official from Korens said. “We will continue expanding into diverse business areas, such as electrification, hydrogen and defense to lead global manufacturing innovation.”