Hanwha Robotics HCR Collaborative Robots

Hanwha Robotics is the robotics company of South Korea's Hanwha Group, headquartered in Pangyo, Seongnam. Its work grew out of the group's AGV research from 2012 and a robot task force formed in 2015, and in 2017 it launched the HCR-5, described as Korea's first collaborative robot. It now sells cobots, mobile robots and custom robots for manufacturing, food and service sites.

The HCR lineup spans seven models from the 4.5 kg HCR-5W welding cobot to the 32 kg HCR-32, with turning radius up to 1,820 mm. Self-developed control software, AI and deep learning based 3D vision for recognising objects of various shapes, and dual 3D cameras for fence-free visual safety are key elements. Cobots can be mounted on mobile manipulators with 2D vision correction. The company has delivered AGVs and mobile manipulators for semiconductor wafer and secondary battery lines.

• HCR-32: high-payload cobot for loads up to 32 kg with 1,820 mm turning radius.
• HCR-5W: ultra-light welding cobot weighing 10.9 kg for confined spaces.
• HCR-10L: 10 kg cobot with 1,800 mm turning radius, the longest in its class.
• HCR-14: third-generation cobot with 14 kg payload, launched in 2024.
• 3D vision: AI-based recognition of objects with varied size and shape.
• Mobile manipulation: cobots on AGV/AMR bases with 2D vision position correction.

A shipyard in Vietnam can use HCR-5W cobots for welding inside hull blocks. A solar module or battery plant can automate heavy handling with HCR-32. An electronics factory can combine HCR cobots with AMRs to move and load parts between lines.

Visual safety with dual 3D cameras lets cobots run without fences, saving floor space. The HCR-32 handles heavy loads up to 32 kg, while the compact HCR-5W reaches tight spaces such as ship interiors with ±0.02 mm stated accuracy. The company cites the highest cleanroom certification level among cobots, which suits semiconductor and biotech production.

Shipbuilding, battery and solar manufacturing face shortages of welders and handlers, pushing demand for welding and high-payload cobots. Korean conglomerates are building robot businesses that sell first to group affiliates and then abroad, including to Asian plants where Korean manufacturers have invested heavily.

Part of Hanwha Group, headquartered in Pangyo, Seongnam, South Korea; the history page does not give a clear incorporation year. Signed a welding automation MOU with Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC in June 2025. Chang Pyo Woo was appointed CEO in January 2026.