Hyundai & Samsung Unveil Private 5G RedCap for Smart Manufacturing
Hyundai Motor Company has announced the successful completion of a pilot project for Private 5G (P-5G) RedCap (Reduced Capability) technology in collaboration with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The breakthrough innovation will be showcased at MWC25 Barcelona, the world’s largest IT and electronics exhibition, taking place in Spain from March 3rd to 6th.
As a pioneer in future mobility solutions, Hyundai Motor continues to push the boundaries of smart mobility through electrification, software-driven innovations, and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. The company’s strategic partnership with Samsung, a global leader in network solutions, has enabled Hyundai Motor to become the first in the mobility manufacturing sector to validate P-5G RedCap technology.
Jae Min Lee, Vice President and Head of the E-FOREST Center of Hyundai Motor and Kia, emphasized the company’s commitment to technological leadership, stating, “Hyundai Motor was the first Korean company to implement P-5G in mass production. We are also the industry’s first to verify P-5G RedCap technology, reinforcing our global leadership in smart manufacturing solutions. We will continue to accelerate its commercialization.”
Simon Lee, Vice President and Head of B2B·B2G Business Development, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting, “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. 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.”
Since January 2025, Hyundai Motor has been testing Samsung’s P-5G solutions, including radio, core, and management systems, with its in-house vehicle inspection equipment at Samsung’s Suwon campus. The two companies jointly developed a custom vehicle inspection device to validate the network’s operational performance and efficiency.
P-5G is a dedicated, onsite system that operates within a specific frequency band, ensuring minimal external interference and seamless data transmission. This makes it an essential component of smart manufacturing, where the centralized control of industrial robots and devices requires stable and high-speed connectivity. While P-5G offers numerous advantages, such as optimized environments and reliable communication, it also presents challenges, including complex design requirements and high power consumption.
The partnership successfully verified P-5G RedCap technology, which features streamlined device configurations, compact infrastructure, and optimized bandwidth usage. These enhancements result in lower power consumption, cost savings, and superior performance compared to conventional Wi-Fi networks. RedCap technology significantly improves speed, data processing capabilities, connection stability, and low latency, making it a game-changer in industrial applications.
Historically, high-performance wireless communication has been limited to large-scale industrial equipment. However, RedCap technology now enables high-speed wireless connectivity for smaller devices, such as vehicle inspection equipment, small tools, cameras, and tablets. Hyundai Motor has integrated RedCap-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon® X35 5G Modem-RF System chipsets into its Diagnostic Scan (D Scan) system, facilitating efficient vehicle inspection data transmission through Samsung’s 5G network.
Samsung’s P-5G solution, which incorporates optimized RedCap software, reduces power consumption and more than doubles uplink capacity, allowing for real-time Internet of Things (IoT) data transmission. Additionally, an integrated management system enhances automation and operational efficiency within smart manufacturing facilities.
Hyundai Motor is leveraging collaborations with global network leaders and the integration of RedCap technology to advance its smart manufacturing capabilities. After establishing a P-5G testbed in Korea in late 2022, the company applied the technology to mass production at its Ulsan plant in October 2024, where it deployed dozens of automated guided vehicles (AGVs). At Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), the company adapted its P-5G network to comply with local regulations, enabling the efficient operation of over 200 autonomous mobile robots. By implementing P-5G at its manufacturing facilities in Korea and the United States, Hyundai Motor has significantly reduced communication disruptions and operational downtime.
Furthermore, Hyundai Motor has developed a patented dual wireless communication solution that combines 5G networks with Wi-Fi. This innovation has led to zero communication-related downtime since its implementation, marking a significant milestone in industrial connectivity and automation.
Looking ahead, Hyundai Motor plans to extend P-5G technology to its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in Ulsan, scheduled to open in 2026. The successful validation of RedCap technology is expected to further enhance Hyundai Motor’s smart manufacturing ecosystem, paving the way for additional expansions at key production sites. By continuing to innovate in the realm of 5G-enabled smart manufacturing, Hyundai Motor is solidifying its position as a global leader in the mobility industry.
