Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to integrate human-like robots into its factories starting in 2028, joining a growing trend among major companies to adopt this emerging technology. The South Korean firm showcased Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday, signaling its intention to deploy these robots across its global network.

According to Hyundai, Atlas is designed for general industrial use and will be developed to work alongside human employees, autonomously managing machinery and taking on increasingly complex tasks. The company emphasized that the robots will help alleviate physical strain on workers, manage potentially hazardous tasks, and ultimately broaden the application of robotics in manufacturing.

Hyundai's decision to incorporate humanoid robots aligns with similar moves by other industry giants, including Amazon, Tesla, and Chinese car manufacturer BYD. These companies are exploring the potential of humanoid robots to enhance efficiency, improve safety, and address labor shortages in various operational areas.

The Atlas robots are slated for deployment in various locations, including Hyundai's plant in Georgia, which previously faced scrutiny following a large-scale immigration raid in 2025. The integration of robots is expected to transform the factory environment, potentially impacting the workforce and production processes.

Hyundai owns a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, the technology company renowned for its Spot robot dog. This partnership provides Hyundai with a significant advantage in developing and implementing advanced robotics solutions for its manufacturing operations. Osmond Chia, a business reporter, noted the cultural impact of this technology.

The company anticipates that the introduction of Atlas will pave the way for wider adoption of humanoid robots in manufacturing, potentially revolutionizing how products are made and distributed. The next phase involves further development and testing of Atlas to ensure its seamless integration into Hyundai's global network of factories.