Hyosung establishes AI Convergence Research Institute, appoints Maeng Seong-hyeon as inaugural director.

Hyosung announced on the 8th that it has established the 'AI Convergence Research Institute' to drive a company-wide AI transformation (AX).

This is a strategic move to maximize synergy by combining cutting-edge AI technology with expertise accumulated over the past 60 years in manufacturing sectors such as heavy industry, textiles, and chemicals.

The institute focuses on strengthening the high-value product lineup of major affiliates within the group, including Hyosung Heavy Industries, Hyosung TNC, and Hyosung Chemical. It is characterized by defining AI not as a mere cost-cutting tool but as a core engine for designing and executing future new businesses.

Hyosung has bolstered its technical expertise by appointing honorary professor Maeng Seong-hyun from KAIST as the inaugural head of the AI Convergence Research Institute at the vice president level. President Maeng, who has served as a professor at Syracuse University and in the Department of Computer Science at KAIST, is one of the top domestic experts who has researched core AI fields such as information retrieval and natural language processing for over 30 years.

President Maeng has served as Hyosung's AI advisor for the past eight months, reviewing the group's digital transformation direction. Having also contributed to strengthening internal capabilities through special lectures for employees, he is regarded as the right person to lead the integration of field practice and cutting-edge technology. Under President Maeng's leadership, Hyosung plans to secure a large number of core technical personnel essential for the AX transformation.

Another key goal of establishing this institute is to enhance the completeness of smart factories. The plan is to analyze the vast amount of data generated on the manufacturing site using AI to achieve process optimization and increase the precision of quality control. This is expected to have positive effects not only on productivity improvement but also on ESG management aspects such as carbon emission reduction.

Hyosung will also accelerate the cultivation of convergent talent who possess both industrial field expertise and AI utilization capabilities. Its strategy is to widen the technology gap through retraining of internal personnel as well as recruiting outstanding external talent.

A Hyosung official emphasized, "The establishment of this institute will be a significant turning point for Hyosung to leap forward as a first mover in the AI era."

Reporter Kim Hwang-min of Business Korea (pr@businesskorea.co.kr)