LS Group is accelerating an all-around digital transformation (DX), using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data from office settings to the manufacturing floors of key affiliates.
LS Group said on the 23rd that it has introduced across the company its own Generative AI platform "LS GPT," the data analytics system "LS Biz Intelligence," and the "HR AI Agent," strengthening a data-driven decision-making framework.
The trend was also evident in a New Year's address demonstration by Chairman Koo Ja-eun of LS Group on Jan. 1. At the time, Koo shared with employees the process of deriving the address by inputting preselected key management keywords into AI. Koo emphasized, "For work with low added value, let's process it quickly by using AI, and focus our capabilities on core tasks that create high added value." Koo also asked, "Leaders should take the lead in spearheading AI-based work innovation."
Changes in office environments are extending to datafication on the manufacturing floors of major affiliates. LS Electric is operating a smart factory at Building G of the Cheongju 1 plant, where an automation system has been established across the entire line from parts supply to assembly, testing, and packaging. It applied an Internet of Things (IoT)-based automatic equipment model change system, in-house autonomous mobile logistics robots, and an AI-based real-time welding, appearance, and noise inspection system. It is also using a big data analytics service that shares raw and subsidiary materials, production, and quality data with partner companies in real time.
After the smart factory transition, daily output for 38 items in the low-voltage device line produced at this plant increased from 7,500 units to 20,000. The plant's energy use fell by more than 60%, and the defect rate recorded 7 PPM. LS Electric plans to optimize its production system by implementing Virtual Reality (VR) simulations for high-voltage current equipment or sealed chambers, where physical verification is difficult due to safety concerns.
Since 2024, LS Cable & System has introduced a manufacturing operations management (MOM) system at its subsea cable plant in Donghae, Gangwon, digitally recording the entire process from raw material receipt to shipment. Based on this, it is expanding Smart Factory construction across all divisions and recently introduced smart systems in materials as well. It is also pursuing real-time defect prediction and simulation-based process optimization by using Digital Twin and AI.
AI has also been applied to "i-Check," a diagnostics and monitoring system co-developed with small and midsize partners. The technology attaches Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to power cables and electrical equipment to detect abnormal conditions such as heat generation and partial discharge in real time. LS Cable & System began installation last year centered on the Yeosu National Industrial Complex, and semiconductor, display, petrochemical, and steel corporations are currently considering adoption. Supply to traditional markets is also set to expand, led by local governments.
LS MnM has introduced the Smart Factory project "ODS (Onsan Digital Smelter)" at the Onsan copper smelter in Ulsan, the world's No. 2 by production capacity, to integrally collect and operate data across the entire process from raw material intake to shipment. It collects and analyzes process data in real time to optimize equipment operation with AI and uses it for failure prediction and reducing energy consumption. In 2024, it upgraded the AI integrated platform "Advanced MES" to handle unstructured data such as video and audio, improving inspection accuracy. It applied an AI vision system that combines a Deep Learning model with a high-performance camera across all copper cathode surface inspectors, resolving non-detection issues of existing laser inspectors and ensuring reliability in fine measurements.
In November last year, LS Mtron unveiled three agricultural platforms—My Farmers, My Farm Plus, and My Ls Tractor—and began building a comprehensive digital agriculture ecosystem that connects everything from data collection to on-site task execution. Equipped with AI, My Farmers analyzes plot and crop information by farm to provide tailored core information on weather, pests and pesticides, government support policies, and farming education.
E1 is pushing to build a "smart plant" that uses AI for facility maintenance. It introduced a predictive maintenance solution at all bases, in which AI analyzes noise, vibration, and current data generated during equipment operation in real time to forecast failure risk and remaining life. This diagnoses the condition of underground buried motors and transformers—difficult to maintain—and reduces unnecessary replacement expense.