Hyundai Motor Group to Deploy Thousands of Boston Dynamics Robots at US Plants

Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to deploy tens of thousands of Boston Dynamics robots, including the humanoid Atlas robot, and develop a physical AI ecosystem at its various manufacturing and logistics locations in the US and around the world. The two companies will also work together to integrate their manufacturing capabilities, establish a mass-production facility, and develop physical AI policies and strategy.

Hyundai recently announced plans to invest $21 billion in the US across the next three years, including a $6 billion allocation for investing in future industries and strengthening partnerships. Boston Dynamics was named as a beneficiary, and will use Hyundai’s investment to expand its robotics ecosystem offerings. Hyundai will also become Boston Dynamics’ biggest customer. The companies could also offer industrial solutions combining trucks, EVs and robots in the future.

Hyundai already uses the US firm’s Spot quadripedal robots for industrial inspections and predictive maintenance tasks at its facilities including the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in the state of Georgia. The humanoid Atlas robot will also soon be rolled out to increase productivity and efficiency.

“Boston Dynamics and robotics AI will play a crucial role in achieving the Group’s goal,” said Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, in a press statement. “Physical AI and humanoid robots will transform our business landscape to the next level. Through our collaboration, we will expedite the process to achieve leadership in the robotics industry.”

In late 2024, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab demonstrated a new “wearable robot”, or upper body exoskeleton, called the X-ble Shoulder, for use in factories and industrial settings. It augments the wearer’s upper arm strength, especially when performing physical tasks that require overhead motion. According to the official announcement, the X-ble Shoulder can reduce shoulder load by 60 percent and deltoid muscle strain by 30 percent.