Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy human-like robots in its manufacturing facilities starting in 2028, joining a growing number of companies exploring teh potential of this emerging technology.
The South Korean automaker showcased the Atlas humanoid robot, developed by boston Dynamics, at the Consumer electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday. hyundai intends to integrate Atlas throughout its global operations, including a plant in Georgia that was the site of a meaningful immigration enforcement action in 2025.
Amazon, Tesla, and Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD are among other firms signaling their intent to incorporate humanoid robots into their workflows.
hyundai stated that the Atlas robots will progressively assume more complex tasks. The company holds a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, the technology firm renowned for its robotic dog, Spot.
Designed for broad industrial applications, Atlas is being engineered to collaborate with human workers and operate machinery autonomously.
According to Hyundai, these robots will alleviate physical strain on employees, manage hazardous duties, and facilitate broader adoption of the technology.
The company did not disclose the initial number of robots to be deployed or the overall project cost.
At CES, hyundai Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang addressed concerns about potential job displacement due to automation, noting, as reported by Reuters, that human workers will still be needed for robot training and other roles.
The declaration followed Hyundai’s 2025 commitment to invest over $20 billion (£15.5 billion) in the united States, supporting then-President Donald Trump’s initiative to bolster domestic manufacturing.
the investment included plans to expand car production within the U.S. and advance autonomous driving and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Tesla, led by elon Musk, has also made considerable investments in its own humanoid robot, optimus.
Hyundai’s battery plant in Georgia, a partnership with LG, is a crucial component of its U.S. operations.
In September 2025, U.S.immigration officials raided the georgia plant, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of workers, including at least 300 South korean citizens.
Images from the raid depicted workers with shackled legs, sparking widespread condemnation in South Korea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Hyundai Chief Executive José Muñoz cautioned that the raid could discourage foreign investment in the U.S.
Washington and Seoul subsequently reached an agreement later that month to release the detained workers.
Trump stated his opposition to the raid,asserting that the U.S. had an “understanding” regarding the need to attract experts to establish specialized facilities and train local personnel.
Muñoz revealed in November that the White House had personally contacted him to apologize for the incident.
