"Robots Patrol Dangerous Zones"...LS Electric Deploys Walking Robot 'Spot' at Busan Plant

Deployment of Two Boston Dynamics Quadruped Robots

Real-Time Monitoring of Ultra-High Voltage Transformer Processes and Test Facilities

Exploring Expansion Across All Sites to Accelerate Smart Manufacturing Innovation

LS Electric is advancing the sophistication of its smart factory by deploying Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robot in its production sites. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into facility inspection, as well as quality and safety management, the company aims to strengthen its manufacturing competitiveness.

On September 22, LS Electric announced that it has formally deployed two units of Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robot ‘Spot’ at its Busan plant. In collaboration with Hyundai AutoEver, a specialist in robot systems integration (SI), the company conducted a trial operation for approximately two months starting in July.

The Busan plant, which mainly produces ultra-high voltage transformers, is experiencing rapid growth in production volume due to increasing global demand driven by the expansion of investments in AI data centers and power grids. LS Electric plans to utilize Spot to conduct real-time inspections of core equipment and establish a predictive maintenance system that forecasts equipment failures in advance.

Spot will first be assigned to manage the vapor phase drying (VPD) process, which is critical for manufacturing ultra-high voltage transformers. Using a thermal imaging camera, it will non-contact inspect the sealing integrity of chamber doors and detect any heat leakage. In addition, Spot will collect data on heat, noise, and vibration from vacuum pumps, motors, and control panels, allowing early detection of abnormal signs. Through this approach, the company aims to increase the stability of processes directly related to the insulation performance of transformers and minimize production disruptions caused by equipment failures.

Spot will also be utilized for production environment management. The robot will autonomously patrol production areas and use AIVI (AI-based Vision Inspection) technology to check the operation of constant temperature and humidity systems. The new measurement system will automatically collect temperature and humidity data, while also providing environmental information from dead zones previously difficult to monitor with existing sensors. Based on these insights, LS Electric plans to analyze correlations between production environment and product quality to establish optimal production conditions.

LS Electric recently announced on the 22nd that it has introduced Boston Dynamics' quadruped robot "Spot" at its Busan plant to advance production equipment monitoring, quality control, and safety management systems. The photo shows Chairman Koo Ja-kyun inspecting the Spot quadruped robot operation site inside the LS Electric Busan plant. LS Electric. Photo by LS Electric

Spot will be deployed to inspect test equipment and major utility facilities. It will monitor facility exteriors for abnormal noises or heat issues, and work with an AI analysis system to process temperature, vibration, and noise data from motors, coolers, pumps, chillers, and generators to predict potential failures. This initiative aims to prevent breakdowns in test facilities for ultra-high voltage transformers, which have long repair periods, and minimize the impact on test schedules and delivery deadlines.

The company also intends to enhance both safety and work efficiency by having Spot patrol restricted zones and dangerous equipment areas in place of operators, thereby automating repetitive inspection tasks.

LS Electric plans to build an AI analysis model using operational data from its Busan plant and plans to expand its application to major production bases both in Korea and abroad. In the mid- to long-term, the company’s strategy is to establish a smart patrol system based on walking robots across all sites and implement a digital manufacturing platform that integrates production, quality, and safety data.

An LS Electric official stated, “We plan to secure competitiveness in quality, cost, and delivery by actively incorporating AI and robotics technology into manufacturing sites.” He added, “Starting with the smart management system based on walking robots at the Busan plant, we will accelerate digital transformation across all our sites and continuously advance our smart manufacturing capabilities to a global level.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.