Hyundai Motor Group recently made waves when it shared its plans to deploy human-like robots within its factories by 2028. To power its operations the company plans to use Atlas robots, which were created by Boston Dynamics specifically for broad industrial applications. This new effort is a dramatic change in how manufacturing is done. Robots will slowly absorb more tasks, assisting human workers and autonomously controlling other machines.
The unveiling of Atlas took place at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where Hyundai Motor Group’s chief executive, José Muñoz, showcased the robot’s capabilities. With the Atlas robots, MIT hopes to increase productivity and efficiency in the manufacturing industry. They advocate for a productive team-oriented working ecosystem in tandem with human workers.
In addition to its investment in robotics, Hyundai Motor Group is focusing on advancing autonomous driving technology and artificial intelligence (AI). This new strategic direction dovetails nicely with the company’s long-standing commitment to finding new, innovative and modern methods in advancing their production facilities.
At the same time, Hyundai Motor Group announced an expansion of car manufacturing in the U.S. By 2025, the company aims to invest over $20 billion in the U.S. market, supporting initiatives that align with President Donald Trump’s agenda to boost domestic manufacturing. This investment is projected to create thousands of job opportunities and solidify the company’s commitment to American automotive manufacturing.
For a quick recap, here’s what went wrong this year for Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitious plans. U.S. immigration enforcement officers raided one of their plants, leading to the arrest of several hundred workers. Among those arrested were over 300 South Korean nationals. The situation caused major concerns for President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea. He joined José Muñoz in cautioning that such actions would drive foreign investment away from the U.S.
Here’s what the White House did in response to that backlash. These actors directly wrote to US Trade Representative José Muñoz to register their dismay at the raid. After negotiations, Washington and Seoul were able to reach an agreement which allowed the workers to go free.
The competitive landscape of humanoid robotics is definitely getting hot. Tesla’s Elon Musk is doubling down by making a biggest bet of all on his own, the humanoid robot, Optimus. As the automotive industry increasingly embraces automation and robotics, Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to integrating Atlas robots into its factories represents a significant step towards a more technologically advanced future.