Hyundai to Deploy Humanoid Robots in Factories by 2028
06th Jan. 2026
Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to roll out human-like robots across its factories from 2028. The decision marks a significant step in the global race to adopt advanced automation in manufacturing. The South Korean conglomerate unveiled Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by its subsidiary Boston Dynamics, during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday.
The company said it “plans to integrate Atlas across its global network”, including major facilities in the United States. Notably, this includes a plant in Georgia that drew international attention after a large-scale immigration raid in 2025. However, so far Hyundai has not disclosed that how many robots it would deploy initially or the projected cost of the program.
According to the firm, Atlas will gradually take on a wider range of duties. Early tasks will focus on physically demanding or hazardous work. The robot is also being developed to autonomously manage machines and collaborate closely with human workers. Hyundai has emphasized that the technology will reduce strain on employees while improving workplace safety and efficiency.
Atlas Humanoid Robot and Hyundai’s Factory Automation Push
Atlas is designed for a general industrial use, and Hyundai believes that it could accelerate broader adoption of the humanoid robots in factories. Furthermore, the company owns a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, which is also famous for creating Spot, the robotic dog. It is already in use in some industrial settings.
Hyundai has joined a growing list of major players that explore similar technology. Companies like Amazon, Tesla, and China’s BYD have already signaled their intentions to deploy humanoid robots in logistics, manufacturing, and vehicle production. Meanwhile, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk continue to promote Optimus as a future cornerstone of his company’s operations.
Jobs, US investment, and political sensitivities for Hyundai
Speaking at CES, Hyundai vice chairman Jaehoon Chang acknowledged concerns that robots could replace human workers. However, he stressed that people would still be required to train robots and oversee complex processes, that machines couldn’t handle. The announcement also follows Hyundai’s 2025 pledge, which says it will invest more than $20bn (£15.5bn) in the US. This pledge aligns with President Donald Trump’s drive to boost domestic manufacturing.
That investment includes expanding vehicle production and advancing autonomous driving, while working on artificial intelligence (AI).
Web Resources on the Hyundai’s Atlas Humanoid Robot Initiative
1. Reuters.com: Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy humanoid robots at US factory from 2028
2. Bloomberg.com: Hyundai Unveils New Humanoid Robot for Work in Car Factories
3. BBC.com: Car giant Hyundai to use human-like robots in factories
4. AcademicBlock.com: China’s BYD Poised to Topple Tesla in Global EV Sales