How Hyundai is Driving the Future with AI Robotics

Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to ramp up its operations with “cutting-edge” AI-powered robotics across its global manufacturing network.

Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA.

The company says it expects to deploy these advanced robots on factory floors by 2028, aiming to build a production ecosystem capable of manufacturing up to 30,000 units annually.

Boston Dynamics – in which Hyundai holds a majority stake – has also teamed up with Google DeepMind to fast-track the technological evolution of its robotic systems.

Zachary Jackowski, Vice President and General Manager of Atlas at Boston Dynamics, says: “The convergence of robotics and AI represents more than a technological advancement. It is a transformative innovation that will make human life safer and more enriching. 

“By combining capabilities of Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind through this strategic partnership, we are taking a significant step toward redefining the future paradigm of the industry.” 

Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot

Atlas features 56 degrees of freedom, most with fully rotational joints, and human-scale hands equipped with tactile sensors.

According to Hyundai, the robot can handle precision tasks and lift loads of up to 50kg.

The company intends to introduce Atlas into processes demonstrating clear safety and quality advantages from 2028, focusing initially on areas such as parts sequencing.

By 2030, Hyundai expects Atlas’ capabilities to expand into component assembly and operations requiring repetitive movements and the handling of heavy loads.

Hyundai’s AI robotics strategy

Hyundai is developing a Group Value Network built around an end-to-end AI Robotics Value Chain, incorporating both its subsidiaries and a strategic partnership with Nvidia.

By 2028, the Group plans to establish a production system capable of manufacturing up to 30,000 robots annually.

Nvidia’s AI infrastructure, along with its simulation libraries and frameworks, will be integrated across group affiliates including Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation and Hyundai Mobis Company.

This initiative complements Boston Dynamics’ ongoing collaboration with Google DeepMind.

Hyundai also plans to leverage software-defined factories and a dedicated Robot Metaplant Application Center to train its robots using real-world production data and ensure safe human-robot interaction.

Hyundai says the Group holds a distinct advantage in expanding its electrification value chain while capitalising on its established supply chain strengths.

Each affiliate within the Group has been assigned specific roles to advance this vision.

Hyundai Mobis will focus on developing high-performance actuators and standardising core components, while Hyundai Glovis will optimise logistics and supply chain management to enable efficient delivery.

Carolina Parada, Senior Director of Robotics at Google DeepMind, says: “We are excited to begin working with the Boston Dynamics team to explore what’s possible with their new Atlas robot as we develop new models to expand the impact of robotics, and to scale robots safely and efficiently.” 

Robotics-as-a-Service 

Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robot, Spot, is already in operation across more than 40 countries, carrying out tasks such as data collection and safety monitoring.

Stretch, the warehouse robot, has unloaded more than 20 million boxes worldwide since its debut in 2023.

Hyundai says it plans to draw on the Group’s global manufacturing expertise to scale up AI robotics production and expand its Robotics‑as‑a‑Service (RaaS) portfolio.

This approach shifts robotics from a one‑time purchase model to a flexible, subscription‑based service.

The company has already implemented RaaS with partners including DHL, Nestlé and Maersk.

In support of this growth, the Group has announced an investment of US$86bn in Korea and US$26bn in the US over the next five years, both focused on advancing robotics powered by AI technologies.