Hyundai plans 30,000 humanoid robots annually for factory automation

Hyundai Motor Group plans to integrate 30,000 humanoid robots annually by 2028 to automate repetitive factory tasks, unveiling the production version of the Atlas humanoid robot at CES 2026. This initiative marks a shift from traditional hardware-based robotics to AI-driven “Physical AI” systems designed to work collaboratively with humans in factory environments. Using Boston Dynamics’ robots—Atlas, Spot, and Stretch—Hyundai aims to deploy robots initially for parts sequencing by 2028, expanding to component assembly by 2030, and eventually handling heavy loads and complex operations to reduce physical strain and improve safety for workers. The Atlas robot features 56 degrees of freedom, can lift up to 110 pounds, and operate in industrial temperature ranges, emphasizing adaptability and collaboration with human workers. Hyundai is also developing Software-Defined Factories (SDF) and Robot Metaplant Application Centers (RMACs) to train and enhance robot capabilities through data collection and AI simulation. Despite concerns from labor unions