Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to deploy humanoid robots at its U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgia starting in 2028, marking a significant step toward automating higher-risk and repetitive tasks in automotive production.
The South Korean automaker unveiled the production version of its Atlas humanoid robot, developed by Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2026) in Las Vegas. Hyundai said the initiative is part of its push into what it describes as “physical AI”, referring to artificial intelligence systems embedded in hardware that can sense real-world environments and make autonomous decisions, Reuters news report said.
Hyundai did not disclose the number of robots to be deployed or the associated investment, but said it aims to gradually expand the use of humanoid robots across all its manufacturing sites globally.
Phased rollout in U.S. manufacturing
According to Hyundai, Atlas robots will initially be used for parts sequencing tasks at the Georgia plant from 2028. By 2028, Hyundai aims to establish a production system capable of manufacturing 30,000 robot units annually. The company plans to expand applications gradually as safety, productivity and quality benefits are validated in real-world operations.
Hyundai Group recently announced an investment of KRW 125.2 trillion in Korea over the next five years starting from 2026 – focusing on advancing robotics powered by AI technologies. Hyundai also plans to invest USD 26 billion in the United States over four years from 2025. This will expand collaboration with leading U.S. companies in robotics, AI, autonomous driving, and other future technologies.
By 2030, Hyundai expects Atlas robots to take on component assembly tasks, with a longer-term roadmap that includes handling heavy loads, repetitive motions and complex operations across production lines. The company said the robots are designed to reduce physical strain on human workers by taking over labor-intensive and higher-risk activities.
Focus on safety and industrial performance
Atlas is equipped with human-scale hands featuring tactile sensing and can lift loads of up to 50 kilograms. The humanoid robot can operate autonomously and is built to function in industrial environments with temperatures ranging from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for diverse factory conditions.
Hyundai said the deployment will help lay the foundation for broader commercial use of humanoid robots in industrial settings beyond automotive manufacturing.
Labor concerns and industry implications
At Hyundai affiliate Kia Corp, labor unions have already raised concerns about the impact of expanding automation. Last year, Kia’s labor union called for the establishment of a formal body to address potential labor rights issues as the industry prepares for wider adoption of AI and robotics.
Hyundai acknowledged the importance of balancing automation with workforce considerations as it advances its manufacturing transformation.
Partnerships with Nvidia and Google
The automaker said it expects humanoid robots to become the largest segment of the physical artificial intelligence market, spanning areas such as robotics, smart factories and autonomous driving.
To accelerate development, Hyundai is partnering with global AI leaders including Nvidia and Google. These collaborations are focused on improving safety, operational efficiency and real-world deployment of humanoid robots in industrial environments.
With the planned rollout of Atlas robots in the United States, Hyundai is positioning itself at the forefront of humanoid robotics adoption in automotive manufacturing, signaling a broader shift toward AI-driven factories over the coming decade.
RAJANI BABURAJAN
