HD Hyundai Construction Equipment is joining hands with the Republic of Korea Army to advance unmanned construction equipment technology and train maintenance personnel.
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment said Friday that it signed a "memorandum of understanding (MOU) for technology exchange and maintenance personnel training, including the automation of construction equipment," with Army Headquarters at Gyeryongdae in Chungcheongnam-do on Wednesday. The signing ceremony was attended by about 20 officials from both organizations, including HD Hyundai Construction Equipment President Moon Jae-young and Major General Ha Heon-cheol, chief of the logistics staff at Army Headquarters.
The agreement was pursued to build a stable equipment operation system by applying and verifying unmanned autonomous technology in military settings and by training specialized maintenance personnel, amid changing conditions for operating construction equipment due to declining troop numbers. Under the agreement, both sides will pursue technology exchange so that construction equipment autonomous technology can be used in military missions such as wartime damage recovery, construction and reinforcement of operational facilities, and disaster site support. They will also build an environment to efficiently operate both manned and unmanned construction equipment simultaneously through an integrated control system.
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment will support specialized maintenance training for construction equipment currently operated by the military, and the Army will provide security education and related field trip opportunities to HD Hyundai Construction Equipment employees.
"This agreement is practical cooperation through which both sides can develop mutually, and a good opportunity to advance construction equipment autonomous technology," President Moon said. "We will continue firm cooperation for the development of the construction equipment industry and for the peace and security of the Republic of Korea."
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Construction Equipment delivered 20 million won to the Army at the signing ceremony to support the bereaved families of soldiers killed in action and those who died in the line of duty.
