Hyundai Motor Group is set to transform its U.S. operations into robot-powered workplaces by leveraging its subsidiary, Boston Dynamics. The automaker has decided to purchase tens of thousands of robots from Boston Dynamics and deploy them across its manufacturing, logistics, and service hubs throughout the United States.
According to Boston Dynamics on April 4, Hyundai Motor Group has signed a large-scale contract to introduce various robotic models, including Spot, Stretch, and Atlas, into its U.S. factories and distribution centers. This initiative is part of Hyundai’s broader smart mobility and automation innovation project.
The announcement was made at a Boston Dynamics town hall meeting, attended by Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon, Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter, and approximately 800 employees. While Hyundai has not disclosed the exact number of robots being deployed, industry estimates suggest that it will be in the tens of thousands.
Funding for this initiative will come from Hyundai’s previously announced $21 billion investment in the U.S. Of that, $6 billion has been allocated to innovation-driven projects and strategic partnerships with U.S. companies.
Hyundai also unveiled its robotics roadmap, emphasizing large-scale robot deployment to maximize productivity and efficiency in manufacturing. The long-term vision includes building smart factories powered by robotics technology.
Beyond improving productivity, Hyundai aims to integrate robotics with future mobility solutions, creating new service models. These could include autonomous delivery solutions combining self-driving technology with robotics and AI-powered robotic services.
Boston Dynamics, for its part, is actively developing next-generation robots enhanced by AI, autonomous navigation, and 5G connectivity to expand their practical applications. Hyundai is also strengthening its research efforts to leverage synergies between robotics, electric vehicles, and urban air mobility (UAM).
“Physical AI and humanoid robotics are among the key pillars of future mobility innovation,” said Vice Chairman Jang. “This Boston Dynamics project will further strengthen our competitive edge in the global robotics market.”
Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs projects that the global humanoid robot market will exceed $38 billion by 2035.
