Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to deploy humanoid robots at its upcoming manufacturing plant in Georgia beginning in 2028, marking a significant move toward automating high-risk and repetitive tasks across its global operations.

The company unveiled the production-ready Atlas humanoid robot, developed by its robotics subsidiary Boston Dynamics, at the CES technology show in Las Vegas. Hyundai also revealed its ambition to build a dedicated factory capable of producing 30,000 robots annually by 2028, signalling its long-term strategy to expand its footprint in the rapidly growing “physical AI” sector, where artificial intelligence is embedded directly into hardware systems.

From Sequencing to Heavy Lifting: Hyundai’s Atlas Robots Set for Wider Deployment

Although Hyundai did not disclose the cost of the Atlas robots, it confirmed that deployment would roll out across all manufacturing facilities. The robots will initially handle parts sequencing tasks in 2028, with their responsibilities gradually expanding as safety and performance validations progress. By 2030, Atlas units are expected to take on more complex industrial roles, including heavy-load handling, repetitive motion tasks, and intricate operations across production lines. The company emphasised that the robots are designed to reduce physical strain on human workers by performing hazardous and physically demanding duties, paving the way for wider industrial adoption.

Concerns have arisen regarding labour impacts, particularly from Kia Corp’s labour union, which previously expressed worries about automation and worker rights. Addressing this, Hyundai Motor vice chair Jaehoon Chang stated at CES that while robots will take over certain tasks, human workers will still be essential for robot maintenance, training, and new operational roles created through automation.

Hyundai Advances Physical AI with Atlas and Partnerships with Nvidia, Google

Hyundai believes humanoid robots will dominate the future physical AI market, which merges AI-driven decision-making with real-world data collection through hardware. Atlas features tactile human-scale hands, autonomous operation, and the ability to lift up to 50 kilograms, enabling use across industries from mining to agriculture. Hyundai is further accelerating development through partnerships with major AI companies, including Nvidia and Google, aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and real-world deployment.

Summary:

Hyundai will deploy Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robots at its Georgia plant from 2028 to automate high-risk, repetitive tasks. Production will scale to 30,000 robots annually, expanding into complex roles by 2030. Despite labour concerns, Hyundai says workers will remain essential. Partnerships with Nvidia and Google will advance physical AI capabilities.

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