Hyundai to Mass-Produce Boston Dynamics’ Humanoid Atlas Robot by 2028

On Monday at CES in Las Vegas, Boston Dynamics unveiled its latest iteration of the humanoid Atlas robot, showcasing a fully electric, battery-powered body with a distinctive glowing face. The company claims that this advanced robot will soon work alongside human factory workers at Hyundai’s facilities, marking a major step toward integrating robotics into manufacturing processes.

Hyundai’s Ambitious Plans for the Atlas Robot

Hyundai announced its intention to produce “production-ready humanoid robots” of Atlas, aiming to deploy them at its car plants starting with the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant in Savannah, Georgia. The automaker projects an annual production of 30,000 units beginning in 2028. Initially, Atlas robots will be assigned to tasks with established safety and quality benefits, such as parts sequencing. By 2030, Hyundai envisions Atlas handling more complex tasks, including repetitive motions and lifting heavy loads, fostering a “harmonious collaboration between humans and robots.”

From Research to Real-World Application

Founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston Dynamics gained global fame for its viral robot demonstrations, featuring Atlas performing backflips and Spot, a quadruped robot, completing various operational tasks such as herd management and pandemic-related assistance. Despite its technological prowess, the company has incurred significant financial losses, though it has sold robots like Spot for around $75,000 each, primarily targeting industrial applications.

Acquisition and Competitive Landscape

In 2021, Hyundai acquired Boston Dynamics for $1.1 billion, signaling its interest in advancing robotics within its manufacturing ecosystem. Hyundai aims to position its Atlas robot as a more capable alternative to rivals like Tesla’s Optimus robot, which has gained attention due to Tesla’s AI hype and a valuation exceeding $1 trillion.

Technical Features of the New Atlas

The latest electric Atlas version boasts 56 degrees of freedom, up from 50 previously, with fully rotational joints and human-like hands equipped with tactile sensors. Engineered for autonomous operation, it can be taught most tasks within a day, automatically replace its batteries, and lift objects weighing up to 110 pounds (50 kg). It is water-resistant and designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C).

Challenges and Future Outlook

While Boston Dynamics’ robots have demonstrated impressive dexterity, transforming these demos into cost-effective, production-line solutions remains a formidable challenge. The costs for Atlas are expected to be significantly higher than Spot robots, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars per unit. Hyundai’s unique supply chain, manufacturing capabilities, and AI partnerships—with Google’s DeepMind and Nvidia—may help mitigate costs and accelerate deployment.

Broader Implications and Industry Impact

Hyundai’s push toward automation reflects a broader trend in the industry, with some expecting robots to replace millions of jobs. Hyundai estimates its US investments will generate thousands of new jobs, even as it embraces automation. The partnership with AI leaders aims to enhance Atlas’ autonomy and capabilities, but skepticism persists about whether humanoid robots will justify their hefty price tags and complexity in commercial settings.

As the transition from demonstration to deployment continues, the future of humanoid robots in industrial environments remains both promising and uncertain, with Hyundai leading the charge toward a new era of human-robot collaboration.