Hyundai Motor Group, the South Korean automotive giant, is set to deploy human-like robots at its manufacturing facility in Georgia, USA. This announcement is the latest move in the company’s plan to increase its production efficiency. It’s a natural fit with the technological paradigm shift happening across the entire automotive landscape. The introduction of these robots, named Atlas, was showcased by Hyundai’s Chief Executive José Muñoz during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday.
The Atlas humanoid robots, a project of Boston Dynamics, were initially developed for a Department of Defense program for industrial general purpose use. They’re planning to start operations in 2028. As they begin, they are supposed to shift an increasing share of the overall manufacturing process over time. The robots will all be working in tandem with human employees. They will use machines smarter than them and be involved in other functions to optimize efficiency.
Hyundai’s ambitions go far beyond bringing robots to their debut. During its recent earnings call, the company touted its planned investment of more than $20 billion (£15.5 billion) across the United States by 2025. This significant financial investment helps further President Donald Trump’s goals of increasing domestic manufacturing. The investment will further support the development of Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing capacity in the U.S. market.
Beyond supercharging manufacturing production, Hyundai plans to plow new investments into autonomous driving technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Collectively, these advancements are all but guaranteed to transform how vehicles are built and how they operate in the real world.
Hyundai’s ambitious expansion plans haven’t come without controversy. When, in September 2025, U.S. immigration enforcement officers raided Hyundai’s plant, triggering a terrific outcry in South Korea, opposition to the policy deepened. Across the Pacific, President Lee Jae Myung and José Muñoz were equally alarmed. They are concerned that such actions will chill foreign investment into the United States and put at risk the future of multinational engagement.
Hyundai’s introduction of the Atlas robots marks a pivotal shift in how manufacturing processes may evolve in the coming years. Indeed, robots are getting more deployed in factories than ever. This shift towards automation in the automotive industry is all about increased efficiency and productivity.