In an exciting shift for the manufacturing landscape, Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to introduce humanoid robots in their production facilities starting in 2028. This move comes as a response to a growing trend among major corporations to adopt advanced robotic technologies in their operations.
At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Hyundai showcased Atlas, a sophisticated humanoid robot created by Boston Dynamics. This innovative technology represents Hyundai's commitment to integrating such robots across its extensive global network, which notably includes a plant located in Georgia, USA—an establishment that was recently embroiled in a significant immigration raid in 2025.
Hyundai is not alone in this endeavor; other industry giants, such as Amazon, Tesla, and BYD from China, have also expressed intentions to incorporate humanoid robots into their workflows. According to Hyundai, the Atlas robots are set to gradually assume a variety of tasks within the manufacturing process. The company holds a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, which is renowned for its creation of Spot, the robotic dog that has captured public attention.
Designed primarily for industrial applications, Atlas is engineered to collaborate with human workers while also being capable of autonomously overseeing machinery. Hyundai envisions these robots alleviating the physical burdens placed on human employees, undertaking hazardous tasks, and allowing for an expanded implementation of robotic technologies in various sectors.
While specific numbers regarding the initial deployment of these robots and the associated costs have not been disclosed, it’s clear that Hyundai is making a significant investment in the future of robotics. At CES, Hyundai's vice chair, Jaehoon Chang, addressed concerns about potential job losses resulting from automation. He emphasized the necessity of human involvement in training these robots and managing their integration into the workforce, as reported by Reuters.
This announcement follows Hyundai's commitment made in 2025 to invest over $20 billion in the U.S., aligning with then-President Donald Trump’s initiatives aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing. The firm indicated that its investments would bolster car production in the U.S. and further its research in autonomous driving and artificial intelligence (AI).
Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is also heavily investing in its humanoid robot project, known as Optimus, demonstrating the competitive landscape of robotic development in the automotive sector.
One of Hyundai's critical facilities in the U.S. is its battery plant in Georgia, which it operates alongside electronics leader LG. However, this plant has faced challenges, including a notable immigration raid in September 2025, which resulted in the arrest of hundreds of workers, including at least 300 South Koreans. The incident triggered widespread outrage in South Korea, prompting responses from both President Lee Jae Myung and Hyundai's CEO José Muñoz, who warned that such actions could discourage foreign investments in the U.S.
Following international scrutiny, an agreement was reached between Washington and Seoul to release the detained workers. Trump publicly opposed the raid, citing an existing "understanding" with the global community regarding the need to attract specialists to develop specialized facilities and train local labor. In a subsequent statement, Muñoz revealed that he received a personal apology from the White House concerning the incident.
