Hyundai Motor Group has taken a significant step forward in the world of advanced technology by forming a long-term partnership with U.S.-based robotics company Boston Dynamics. This collaboration is not just about enhancing Hyundai’s production capabilities but also about laying the foundation for a global leadership role in the robotics industry.
Combining Automotive and Robotics Expertise
As part of its $21 billion investment plan in the United States, Hyundai has allocated $6 billion specifically for innovation and strategic collaborations. Through this plan, Hyundai will purchase tens of thousands of Boston Dynamics robots to be used in its manufacturing plants. The company had already signaled its intentions in robotics with the $880 million acquisition of Boston Dynamics from SoftBank in 2021.
Smart Factories with Spot and Atlas
Currently, Hyundai is utilizing Boston Dynamics' quadruped robot “Spot” for industrial inspection and predictive maintenance. The next step is to deploy the humanoid “Atlas” robots in its factories. These cutting-edge robots are expected to play a key role in automating workflows and increasing efficiency across Hyundai’s operations.
A $38 Billion Market on the Horizon
The humanoid robotics market is projected to surpass $38 billion by 2035. This expansion is not only driven by technological advancements but also by the growing need to overcome challenges in manufacturing and labor management. Hyundai views robotics AI as essential, believing that the fusion of physical AI and humanoid robots will revolutionize modern workplaces.
A Bold Vision for Leadership
Hyundai Motor Group Vice President Jaehoon Chang stated that the collaboration would accelerate their journey toward leadership in the robotics sector. Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter emphasized the growing interest in robotics and acknowledged that the partnership with Hyundai represents a tremendous opportunity for advanced robots in the mobility sector.
Electric Atlas and New Collaborations
In April 2024, Boston Dynamics unveiled an electric version of its Atlas robot, which will begin testing in 2025 with Hyundai and other selected partners. The company has also announced new collaborations with NVIDIA, Google, DeepMind, Toyota Research Institute, and its sibling organization, the Institute for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI), aiming to further push the boundaries of robotic technology.
This powerful alliance promises to shape not only today's production technologies but also the intelligent and adaptive workplaces of tomorrow.