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Hyundai unveils plans for factory robots
Hyundai Motor Group announced on Monday it will introduce humanoid robots in its manufacturing plants starting in 2028, joining a growing number of companies adopting the technology.
Atlas robot demonstrated at CES
The South Korean automaker showcased Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Hyundai, which holds a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, stated Atlas is designed for general industrial use and will work alongside human employees while operating machinery autonomously.
Hyundai said the robots will help reduce physical strain on workers, perform hazardous tasks, and accelerate broader adoption of robotic technology in manufacturing.
Industry competition in robotics
Hyundai joins companies like Amazon, Tesla, and Chinese automaker BYD in integrating humanoid robots into their operations. Tesla has heavily invested in its Optimus robot, while Hyundai did not disclose the number of robots it plans to deploy initially or the project's cost.
"People will still be essential for training robots and other roles," said Hyundai Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang at CES, addressing concerns about job displacement, according to Reuters.
US investment and Georgia plant controversy
The announcement follows Hyundai's 2025 commitment to invest over $20 billion in the U.S., aligning with former President Donald Trump's push to expand domestic manufacturing. The company plans to increase car production, advance autonomous driving technology, and develop artificial intelligence.
Hyundai's battery plant in Georgia, a joint venture with LG, has been a focal point of its U.S. operations. In September 2025, U.S. immigration authorities raided the facility, detaining hundreds of workers, including at least 300 South Korean citizens. The arrests, which involved shackling detainees, sparked outrage in South Korea.
Diplomatic fallout and resolution
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Hyundai CEO José Muñoz warned the raid could discourage foreign investment in the U.S. Later that month, Washington and Seoul reached an agreement to release the detained workers.
Trump stated he opposed the raid, emphasizing the need to attract skilled workers for specialized facilities. In November 2025, Muñoz revealed the White House had personally apologized to him for the incident.
