▲ HD-Vision R&D / CEO Kim Seul-ki

Machine vision is a factory automation solution that uses cameras or optical equipment to find defects in products, inspect quality, or perform robotic applications such as positioning and object recognition. It has gained popularity because it can recognize and inspect production processes and products that are difficult to see in detail with the human eye with high speed and precision using cameras. HD-Vision R&D (CEO Kim Seul-ki) is a factory automation solution company for the realization of smart factories based on Industry 4.0, mainly developing solutions related to motion control and machine vision, which are essential for factory automation.

Over 10 years of experience developing factory automation solutions

The company has been successfully executing various automation projects since 2009 and has been growing steadily by expanding its outreach since its incorporation in 2015. “I started working with my husband, who is a programmer, and as we grew, we started our own company. Our technology has been used in many processes where vision systems are applied, mainly in smartphones and displays, and we are recognized for our technology.” says CEO Kim Seul-ki. The company offers engineering services to develop automation solutions for each process and equipment, in whole or in part, customized to the customer’s needs. The  main business areas are ‘PC Motion Control System’ such as scriber equipment and UV resin application equipment, ‘Align System’ such as FPR and COG&FOG Align, and ‘Inspection System’ such as panel foreign object inspection, indentation inspection, and color inspection. Major achievements include the development of OLED polarizer attachment equipment, dispenser equipment, TAB/COG bonder equipment, UV direct bonder equipment, pressure mark, and scriber equipment. Examples of technology applications include the Vision Align System, a system that uses cameras to determine the position of motors to maintain constant alignment or assist in moving a product to a specific location, as well as the ROBOT Align System, SIDE INK Sealing, Sealing Thickness Measurement, Sealing Width Measurement, and Open Inspection. The company has developed a variety of factory automation solutions with differentiated technology and is known for its customized solutions that reflect customer needs.  “As we went in and fixed things that other companies had failed and left, we started to get a lot of buzz in the industry and requests to work with us. I think our customers trust us because we’ve been taking responsibility all the way from development to field deployment to operations and maintenance.” says Kim. 

Factory automation solutions with high growth potential need a younger workforce

The company has been recognized in the industry for its ability to nurture technicians through its new employee development program and secure original technology. The company teaches employees good skills and builds on them, paving the way for employees to become independent and creating a desirable work environment. “I tell new hires from the time they interview to learn and build a company. I teach them good skills, and hopefully they can take those skills and make them their own, make them better, and start their own company and be independent.” says Kim. In fact, it’s not uncommon for former employees to start their own companies and work on projects together as outsourced partners.  “The factory automation solutions industry is not a great place for young people to work because of the traveling involved, but the technology is constantly evolving, so I spend a lot of time passing on skills and teaching them because I want to make it a great place for young people to work. I put a lot of emphasis on training my employees and they are very happy.” says Kim adding “I’m working hard to make this a workplace with a bright future, and I care a lot about employee well-being and other aspects. We are working to create a win-win situation for both our partners and our customers.”