When I read the recent news that Hyundai Motor Group is investing $50 billion in AI, robotics, and electric vehicles by 2025, it felt less like a business announcement and more like a blueprint for my own ambitions. The Korea Herald article described how Hyundai plans to build smart factories, integrate artificial intelligence into manufacturing, and even collaborate with universities to drive innovation. As someone who dreams of studying industrial engineering, I couldn’t help but imagine myself in those future factories—designing systems that learn, adapt, and improve every day.
But it’s not just about technology. What caught my attention was Hyundai’s emphasis on collaboration between engineers, data scientists, and even software developers. In my high school robotics club, we always struggled to bring together students with different backgrounds. Sometimes, the mechanical team didn’t understand what the programmers needed, and the electronics team spoke a language of their own. Hyundai’s vision shows that the best solutions come from blending diverse talents, not from working alone.
Still, there are challenges. The article pointed out that while big companies like Hyundai can afford large-scale investments, many smaller manufacturers in Korea are left behind, unable to access the same technology or training. I believe that if we want innovation to benefit everyone, we need to create more opportunities for students—especially those from less privileged backgrounds—to learn about AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing.
This is why industrial engineering excites me. It’s not just about optimizing machines; it’s about connecting people and technology to solve real problems. Reading about Hyundai’s investment makes me hope that by the time I graduate, I’ll be part of a generation ready to build a smarter, more inclusive industrial future for Korea.
Sunho Lee
- South Korea
- Male
- 12th Grade, Cornerstone Collegiate Academy
- Intended Major: Industrial Engineering
- Role: Managing Editor
- Introduction:
Curious about how technology can improve lives, I thrive on building systems that bring people together. As Managing Editor, I enjoy coordinating projects and helping our team grow. I hope to pursue industrial engineering and design solutions that bridge the gap between innovation and real-world needs.