Hyundai Motor Group plans to roll out human-like robots in its factories starting in 2028, joining a growing trend among major companies to incorporate humanoid technology into their operations. 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 intent to integrate the robot across its global network.

According to Hyundai, Atlas is designed for general industrial use and is being developed to work alongside people and autonomously manage machines. The company stated that the robots will help ease physical strain on human workers, handle potentially dangerous tasks, and pave the way for wider use of the technology. The integration plan includes a plant in the U.S. state of Georgia, which was previously involved in a massive immigration raid in 2025.

Hyundai owns a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, the technology company known for Spot, the robot dog. This ownership stake positions Hyundai to be at the forefront of integrating advanced robotics into its manufacturing processes. Other major firms, including Amazon, Tesla, and Chinese car manufacturer BYD, have also announced plans to use humanoid robots in their operations, indicating a broader industry shift towards automation and advanced robotics.

The introduction of humanoid robots like Atlas raises questions about the future of work and the evolving relationship between humans and machines in industrial settings. While Hyundai emphasizes the robots' role in easing physical strain and handling dangerous tasks, the move also sparks discussions about potential job displacement and the need for workforce retraining. The cultural impact of seeing human-like robots in factories is also likely to be significant, potentially influencing public perception of automation and its role in society.

The Atlas robots will gradually take on more tasks within Hyundai's factories, with the company closely monitoring their performance and impact on the workforce. The success of this integration could set a precedent for other manufacturers and accelerate the adoption of humanoid robots across various industries. The development represents a significant step towards a future where robots and humans work side-by-side in manufacturing environments, potentially transforming the way goods are produced and the nature of work itself.