Hyundai Deepens Ties with Boston Dynamics, Plans Large-Scale Robot Deployments Including Atlas Humanoid

Boston Dynamics Atlas Humanoid Robot — Atlas by Boston Dynamics

Hyundai x Boston Dynamics

Hyundai Motor Group is significantly expanding its commitment to robotics by deepening its partnership with subsidiary Boston Dynamics. The automotive giant plans to purchase "tens of thousands" of robots, including the Spot quadruped, Stretch logistics robot, and the recently unveiled electric Atlas humanoid, integrating them into its operations over the coming years.

Scaling Up Robotics in Manufacturing

The collaboration goes beyond mere procurement. Hyundai intends to leverage its extensive manufacturing expertise to help Boston Dynamics scale production, addressing a key challenge for robotics companies transitioning from R&D to commercial deployment. Hyundai facilities are already using Spot robots for industrial inspection and predictive maintenance tasks. The more ambitious plan involves deploying the Atlas humanoid across its manufacturing plants, aiming to leverage "physical AI" to transform its business landscape.

Physical AI and humanoid robots will transform our business landscape to the next level

"Physical AI and humanoid robots will transform our business landscape to the next level," stated Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, highlighting the strategic importance placed on robotics and AI within the group's future.

This move aligns with Hyundai's broader investment strategy, including a recent pledge to invest $21 billion in the U.S., with $6 billion earmarked for innovation and strategic partnerships. Hyundai acquired Boston Dynamics from SoftBank in 2021 for approximately $880 million.

Atlas Joins the Humanoid Race

The planned deployment positions Boston Dynamics alongside a growing number of companies pushing humanoid robots into commercial settings. The electric Atlas, revealed in April 2024, is slated for pilot testing with Hyundai and other partners starting in 2025.

This development comes as competitors also make strides:

Agility Robotics: Has commercially deployed its Digit humanoid with GXO Logistics at a Spanx facility and secured investment from Schaeffler for further deployments.
Figure AI: Is shipping its Figure 02 system to its first paying customer, following testing with BMW Group.
Apptronik: Has pilot agreements with Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics for its Apollo humanoid.

While the timeline for widespread humanoid deployment remains uncertain, the increasing number of pilot programs and initial commercial orders signals growing industry interest and investment, underscored by market projections like Goldman Sachs' estimate of a potential $38 billion global market by 2035.

A new report is estimating the humanoid market to grow to a staggering $113 billion by 2033.

A Pivotal Partnership

For Boston Dynamics, Hyundai's commitment represents a significant step towards commercial validation and scale. "Hyundai Motor Group will become our biggest customer," said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. He noted the partnership would help build successful AI policies and potentially unlock bundled deals involving robots, trucks, and electric vehicles through Hyundai's vast commercial network.

The integration of advanced robots like Atlas into complex manufacturing environments like Hyundai's will be closely watched as a bellwether for the practical application of humanoid robotics in industry.