Hyundai to Deploy Humanoid Robots at US Manufacturing Plant

Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy humanoid robots at its US manufacturing plant in Georgia, beginning in 2028. This move signifies a step toward automating higher-risk and repetitive manufacturing tasks, according to the South Korean company.

Credit: Hyundai

The production version of the Atlas humanoid robot, developed by Hyundai unit Boston Dynamics, was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company did not disclose the volume or cost of these robots.

Hyundai aims to roll out Atlas robot adoption across all its manufacturing sites as part of a broader push into "physical AI." Robots are initially slated to carry out parts sequencing tasks from 2028.

Applications are expected to expand gradually as safety and quality benefits are validated. By 2030, Atlas robots are anticipated to move into component assembly.

A longer-term plan involves the robots taking on tasks with heavy loads, repetitive motions, and complex operations across production sites. Their design intends to reduce physical strain on workers.

The robots are designed to reduce physical strain on workers by performing high-risk and repetitive tasks, thus laying the groundwork for broader commercial use in industrial settings. Hyundai expects humanoid robots to become the largest segment of the physical artificial intelligence market.

Physical AI refers to AI systems embedded in hardware that collect real-world data and make autonomous decisions. This spans areas such as robotics, smart factories, and autonomous driving.

Credit: Boston Dynamics

Atlas features human-scale hands with tactile sensing and has the ability to lift up to 50 kg. The robot operates autonomously and is designed to function in industrial environments ranging from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.

At Hyundai Motor’s affiliate Kia Corp., the labour union *last year* called for establishing a body to address potential labour rights issues in preparation for the AI era, as workers had raised concerns regarding expanding automation.

Hyundai is accelerating development in this area through partnerships with global AI leaders, including *a collaboration* with Nvidia and Google. These partnerships aim to improve safety, efficiency, and real-world deployment.

• Hyundai Motor Group will deploy Atlas humanoid robots at its US manufacturing plant in Georgia from 2028.

• The robots, developed by Boston Dynamics, aim to automate high-risk and repetitive manufacturing tasks.

• Initial tasks will include parts sequencing from 2028, expanding to component assembly by 2030.

SOURCE: REUTERS