CES 2026: Hyundai to Deploy Boston Dynamics Humanoid Robots in Factories from 2028

Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to introduce human-like robots into its manufacturing facilities starting in 2028, joining a growing number of major corporations embracing advanced automation technology. The South Korean automotive giant unveiled Atlas, a humanoid robot created by Boston Dynamics, during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, as reported by The Associated Press (AP).

According to Hyundai, the company "plans to integrate Atlas across its global network", which includes a facility in Georgia, the US, that was subject to a substantial immigration enforcement operation in 2025.

Several prominent companies have announced similar intentions to incorporate humanoid robots into their operations, including Amazon, Tesla and Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD. Hyundai stated that Atlas robots would progressively assume additional responsibilities. The company holds a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics, the technology firm renowned for Spot the robot dog.

Atlas Design and Capabilities

Designed for broad industrial applications, Atlas is being engineered to collaborate with human workers whilst independently operating machinery. Hyundai explained that the robots would help reduce physical demands on human employees, undertake potentially hazardous duties and facilitate broader adoption of robotic technology.

The firm declined to specify how many robots would be deployed initially or reveal the project's financial investment.

Addressing Employment Concerns

Speaking at CES, Hyundai's vice chair, Jaehoon Chang, recognised concerns that human workers might lose employment to robots. However, he indicated that people would remain essential for training the robots, amongst other functions, according to news agency Reuters.

Strategic US Investment

Monday's revelation followed Hyundai's 2025 announcement that it would invest more than $20 billion (£15.5 billion) in the US, aligning with President Donald Trump's initiatives to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

The company indicated it would expand automotive production in the US whilst investing in autonomous driving technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Elon Musk's electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has similarly committed substantial resources to developing its humanoid robot, Optimus.

Georgia Facility and Immigration Controversy

Hyundai's battery manufacturing plant in Georgia, operated jointly with electronics corporation LG, represents one of its critical US facilities. In September 2025, US immigration officials conducted a raid on the site, detaining hundreds of workers, including at least 300 South Korean nationals.

The workers had their legs shackled in scenes that sparked outrage in South Korea.

President Lee Jae Myung and Hyundai's chief executive José Muñoz cautioned that the enforcement action could discourage foreign investment in the US.

Later that month, Washington and Seoul reached an agreement to release the detained workers.

Trump stated he opposed the raid and that the US maintained an "understanding" with the world regarding the necessity of bringing in specialists to establish specialised facilities and train local employees.

Muñoz had said in November that the White House had telephoned him personally to apologise for the raid.