The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) is attracting significant attention as a leader in the domestic production of next-generation air mobility (AAM) components and equipment.

KERI announced on the 2nd that it has recorded the highest number and highest level in the country with 23 patents, 10 SCI-level papers published, and approximately 500 million won in technology transfer performance in the electric powertrain sector over the past five years. He also mentioned that he received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award for his contributions to the field last year.

In recognition of these achievements, many companies are reportedly seeking out KERI, which has the best technology in the country in relation to AAV and other areas.

The series of devices that generate power from the car's engine and transmit it to the wheels are commonly referred to as the 'powertrain'.

On the other hand, due to the recent trend of 'electrification' in mobility, the power from the battery has started to turn the wheels or propellers through the inverter and electric motor.

This series of components and devices is called an 'electric powertrain'.

KERI is actively conducting research and development to localize the electric power module (motor + inverter) and power generation module (generator + converter), which are the core technologies that make up the electric powertrain.

The research team anticipated the electrification of future mobility and has been developing a number of domestic technologies related to motors and generators for land and maritime mobility for over 20 years.

Developing this know-how, we have entered the field of electric powertrain technology for aviation mobility since 2018.

The aviation industry, in particular, has strict safety standards, leading to high technological difficulty and barriers to entry.

However, the research team secured a number of core technologies related to electric powertrains with excellent durability and stability through rapid technological development, and was able to achieve the most advanced competitiveness in Korea.

KERI Aviation Mobility Propulsion Research Team Leader Lee Ji-young said, “The domestic aviation mobility electric powertrain market is in a very poor state compared to advanced countries, so a technology leader is needed.” She added, “‘KERI Inside’, that is, future mobility equipped with domestically produced parts and equipment developed by the research institute, will be able to enter the global market. He expressed his ambition, saying, “I will study hard so that I can become a nubile.”

KERI aims to lead the development of Korea's aviation mobility parts and equipment industry by continuously developing electric powertrain-related technologies that can be applied to a variety of applications, from drones weighing tens of kilograms (kg) to AAVs weighing several tons (t).

In addition, Team Leader Lee Ji-young plans to expand the base of related industries through expert activities, such as attending the 'Korea UAM Council Founding Forum (5.2/Jeju ICC)' and giving a session presentation on 'AAV Core Component Development Cases and Implications'.