Singapore's EV manufacturing dream was given a second lease of life, back when it was announced that Hyundai would be setting up a factory on the island. 

Yesterday, that dream took a step closer to becoming reality.

On 2 September 2021, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) reaffirmed its partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, and announced that the two sides will soon jointly commence a series of research projects on "advanced solutions for the manufacturing of electric vehicles".

"[F]uture mobility solutions" will also be a research focus, according to NTU's press release. The signing ceremony was held on 1 September 2021. 

NTU noted that the research will be rooted in the principles of Industry 4.0. The term 'Industry 4.0' refers to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is defined by increasing automation, and heavily involves newer technologies like machine-to-machine learning and the Internet-of-Things. 

The first stage of research will commence this month with four pilot projects on artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing. The projects precede the construction of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre (HMGICS), which was announced last year and will be situated at Jurong West when completed in 2022. 

If successful, the research will apparently help to boost the efficiency and safety of the manufacturing process for the EVs.

(*Correction: A previous version of the article stated that the HMGICS had been opened last year. The HMGICS was announced in a virtual groundbreaking ceremony last year.)