Hyundai Motor Group has revealed a major plan to deploy thousands of Atlas humanoid robots across its vehicle factories in the US as part of a bold robotics push.
The robots, developed by Boston Dynamics, will support manufacturing operations and help automate repetitive industrial tasks.
The company also plans to produce major robotics components in the US as it scales production by 2028.
Hyundai’s Robotics Move
Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to deploy more than 25,000 Atlas humanoid robots across Hyundai and Kia manufacturing facilities. The announcement was shared during an investor relations session hosted by JPMorgan Chase in Boston.
The company said it aims to build up to 30,000 Atlas robots every year by 2028. Around 83 percent of that production is expected to be used inside Hyundai and Kia factories. The remaining units are expected to support future commercial sales outside the group.
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Executives from Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Glovis, Hyundai AutoEver and Boston Dynamics attended the investor event. Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chair Chang Jae-hoon and Kia CEO Song Ho-sung joined the session. Boston Dynamics interim CEO Amanda McMaster also participated in the discussions.
Atlas Robots Set for US Factory Rollout
Hyundai plans to begin deploying Atlas robots at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia in 2028. Kia’s manufacturing plant in Georgia is expected to follow in 2029. The company has not yet shared a full rollout timeline for all global factories.
Atlas is a humanoid robot designed to move and work in spaces built for humans. It can walk, lift, carry, and perform repetitive factory tasks that normally require physical labor. Hyundai expects the robots to improve productivity and reduce strain on workers inside vehicle plants.
The move reflects growing competition among automakers and technology firms to automate manufacturing with advanced robotics. Companies across the US, China, and Europe are investing heavily in humanoid robots for industrial use. Hyundai’s plan places it among the largest early adopters of humanoid robots in manufacturing.
Hyundai Mobis will build a US production facility for actuators, one of the most important parts used in humanoid robots. Actuators work like muscles and joints, helping robots move their arms, legs, and bodies. Hyundai said these components account for about 60 percent of a robot’s material cost.
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The planned actuator factory is expected to produce more than 300,000 units every year starting in 2028. Some industry estimates place the figure closer to 350,000 units annually. Analysts also estimate that each Atlas robot requires more than 10 actuators.
Industry estimates indicate that early Atlas production costs range from $130,000 to $140,000 per robot. That figure is expected to fall sharply to around $30,000 once production exceeds 50,000 units. By using Hyundai and Kia factories as early customers, the group aims to lower costs faster through large-scale manufacturing.
Some market observers believe Hyundai is also preparing for a future public listing of Boston Dynamics. However, Kia CEO Song Ho-sung said the company has not decided on an initial public offering or outside fundraising plans.
Hyundai’s growing robotics push signals that humanoid machines are becoming a central part of the future automotive industry.
