Hyundai testing humanoid robots at US plants amid union objections

Hyundai Motor has initiated proof-of-concept trials of its humanoid robot, Atlas, at its US manufacturing plants, specifically at its Metaplant America facility in Georgia. These trials, ongoing since late 2025, aim to assess real-world performance and operational data ahead of a planned large-scale deployment by 2028. Hyundai intends to integrate up to 30,000 humanoid robots annually to automate repetitive factory tasks, starting with parts sorting and expanding to complex assembly operations by around 2030. The Atlas robot, developed by Hyundai’s robotics unit Boston Dynamics, is designed to work alongside humans, handling high-risk and repetitive tasks with capabilities such as lifting up to 110 pounds and operating in diverse industrial environments. Hyundai is shifting toward AI-driven robotics, leveraging Boston Dynamics’ portfolio—including Atlas, Spot, and Stretch—to create adaptable, continuously learning robots that enhance factory efficiency. To support this transition, Hyundai is developing Software-Defined Factories (SDFs) that enable robots to learn