Las Vegas: Hyundai Motor Group has planned to roll out human-like robots across its factories worldwide starting in 2028, joining a growing list of major companies racing to adopt humanoid technology for industrial use.
The South Korean automaker showcased Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Hyundai, which holds a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, said it plans to integrate Atlas across its global manufacturing network, including facilities in the United States.
Atlas is designed for general industrial applications and is being developed to work alongside human employees as well as operate autonomously. According to Hyundai, the robots will gradually take on more tasks, helping to reduce physical strain on workers, handle potentially dangerous jobs and support the wider adoption of advanced robotics in manufacturing.
The company did not disclose how many Atlas robots it plans to deploy initially or the projected cost of the programme. Hyundai’s move comes as competition intensifies among global firms to lead the development and deployment of humanoid robots.
Companies such as Amazon, Tesla and Chinese automaker BYD have also announced plans to use human-shaped robots in their operations. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has invested heavily in its own humanoid robot, Optimus, positioning it as a key part of the company’s long-term strategy.
Speaking at CES, Hyundai vice chair Jaehoon Chang acknowledged concerns that robots could replace human jobs. However, he said people would continue to play a critical role, including training robots and overseeing their deployment.
The announcement follows Hyundai’s 2025 pledge to invest more than $20 billion in the United States, supporting President Donald Trump’s push to strengthen domestic manufacturing. The investment includes expanding vehicle production, as well as increased spending on autonomous driving technology and artificial intelligence.
One of Hyundai’s key US facilities is its battery plant in Georgia, operated in partnership with electronics giant LG. The site drew international attention in September 2025 when US immigration officers carried out a large-scale raid, arresting hundreds of workers, including at least 300 South Korean nationals. Images of detained workers in leg shackles sparked widespread outrage in South Korea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz warned at the time that the raid could deter foreign investment in the US. Washington and Seoul later reached an agreement that led to the release of the detained workers.
President Trump subsequently said he opposed the raid and stressed the need to allow foreign experts to enter the US to help set up specialized facilities and train local workers. Muñoz later revealed that the White House had personally apologised to him over the incident.
As Hyundai pushes ahead with humanoid robots like Atlas, the company is positioning automation and AI as central pillars of its future manufacturing strategy, while insisting that human workers will remain an essential part of the process.
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