Hyundai plans to deploy Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robots at manufacturing facilities to boost automation and operational efficiency.
Hyundai Motor Group has outlined plans to accelerate the mass production and commercialisation of humanoid robots, announcing it will launch a dedicated testbed in the United States later in 2026. The roadmap was unveiled during a media day at CES 2026 in Las Vegas and signals the group’s intent to deploy humanoid robots across its manufacturing operations from 2028 onwards.
At the centre of the strategy is Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Hyundai subsidiary Boston Dynamics Inc. The group plans to initially introduce Atlas within factory environments, beginning with logistics related tasks. Boston Dynamics chief executive Robert Playter said the robot has already demonstrated the ability to lift and move goods and assist with placing vehicles on assembly lines, marking a practical entry point for early deployment.
According to Pulse, the English service of Maeil Business News Korea, Hyundai Motor Group has identified robotics as a core future growth engine, tightly linked to its broader artificial intelligence ambitions. Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon said the company is defining concrete deployment scenarios while building a collaborative ecosystem that connects Boston Dynamics with external partners across the robotics value chain.
To support real world implementation, Hyundai will establish the Robot Metaplant Application Center in the US. The facility will focus on defining factory tasks for Atlas and developing required behaviours through simulation, remote operation and repeated training to validate safety and performance before large scale deployment.
Beyond manufacturing, Hyundai is strengthening its AI capabilities through partnerships with global technology firms. Following its collaboration with Nvidia, the group is now working with Google DeepMind on robotics related technology exchanges.
