Automation Hyundai's Plans With Humanoid AI Robotics

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Hyundai plans extensive projects with AI robotics. This includes the mass production of humanoid robots and their deployment in all factories.

The Hyundai Motor Group is heavily investing in automation—specifically in "Physical AI." At CES 2026, the company showcased the production-ready version of the humanoid robot "Atlas" from Boston Dynamics. Additionally, there was a preview of its industrial application.

It starts in manufacturing: Beginning in 2028, Atlas will take on sequencing tasks at the “Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.” By 2030, the humanoid is expected to assemble components. Later, tasks involving repetitive movements, heavy loads, and other complex processes will be added.

Once the performance is validated, Hyundai plans to deploy the robot in all production facilities. Humans will then primarily focus on training and monitoring the technology.

Group-Wide Value Creation Across Sectors

To scale up, Hyundai is establishing a group-wide value creation network. Hyundai, Kia, the automotive supplier Mobis, and the logistics company Glovis will form a chain—from components to production to logistics. The two key projects are the "Robot Metaplant Application Center" and the "Software-Defined Factory."

The Application Center is set to launch in the U.S. in 2026 and will train robots using real production data. The Software-Defined Factory aims to control factory processes based on data and software. Both systems are interconnected to enable continuous learning and quick validation on-site.

The two projects create data pathways between the production line and the model—an essential prerequisite for the widespread use of humanoid robots in manufacturing.

Mass Production of Humanoid Robots

In parallel, Hyundai aims to collaborate with Nvidia, focusing on AI infrastructure, simulation, and frameworks. Hyundai's subsidiary, Boston Dynamics, will partner with Google DeepMind to develop AI models for the next generation of humanoids. By 2028, Hyundai plans to build a factory in the U.S. capable of producing up to 30,000 robots annually. In addition to robotics, other projects focus on a green energy ecosystem and autonomous driving.

The investment costs for all projects in Korea amount to 125.2 trillion South Korean Won ($86 billion), approximately 73 billion euros ($85 billion), starting from 2026 over the next five years. Since 2025, Hyundai has already been investing in the U.S.; a total of 26 billion U.S. dollars, roughly 22 billion euros, is planned over four years.

Robotics-As-A-Service for External Users

With Robotics-as-a-Service, Hyundai aims to offer robotics applications to users outside its own plants. Customers will then receive OTA updates, remote monitoring, maintenance, repair, and overhaul from a single source.

The robots "Spot" and "Stretch" are already in practical use, including at DHL, Nestlé, and Maersk. At Audi and BMW, for example, the dog-like robots patrol factories capturing images for virtual twins of the facilities or assist with the maintenance of production equipment.

At CES, Hyundai also showcased additional robots: "MobED," a robot skateboard, "X-ble Shoulder," an exoskeleton and wearable robot for physically demanding industrial tasks, the "Automatic Charging Robot," which automates plugging in charging cables for electric cars, the "Ioniq 5" robotaxi, autonomous mobile robots, cobots, and the Parking Robot—a system similar to an autonomous transport system that can autonomously park electric cars in a parking garage.

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