Hyundai Motor Group announced that during this year's CES tech fair that it will usher in a new era of artificial intelligence (AI) robotics by merging its manufacturing expertise with extensive datasets gathered from its entire value chain in automobile production, logistics, and sales.
Embracing the AI trend, the automaker committed to becoming a major contributor to what it refers to as “human-centric AI robotics” by addressing obstacles posed by traditional hardware- and mobility-centered robots.
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"Physical AI" is this year’s CES buzzword, indicating the fusion of AI with hardware to engage with the tangible world. Adopting the newest technological trend, the automaker showcased assurance in enhancing its influence, especially in humanoid robots, intelligent factories, and self-driving vehicles.
Hyundai Motor Group ranks among the largest automotive manufacturers globally, boasting a robust worldwide value chain throughout its business operations, which enhances its ability to gather the datasets required to emerge as a key contender in physical AI.
The automaker also revealed a strategy to establish a comprehensive physical AI application center in Korea to enhance the associated ecosystem locally. Moreover, the firm intends to construct what it refers to as a "robot foundry factory," aimed at producing tailored items.
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The automaker's robotics division, Boston Dynamics, showcased its latest electric Atlas humanoid robot for the first time at CES 2026. The cutting-edge bipedal robot will be crucial in leading the team’s manufacturing revolution, the automaker stated.
This isn't the first occasion the company has utilized robots for its manufacturing and logistics operations. Boston Dynamics' Spot, a quadrupedal walking robot, and Stretch, a robotic warehouse assistant, have demonstrated their effectiveness in multiple industrial uses.
Hyundai Motor Group also pledged to accelerate its partnerships with leading global tech firms to develop more advanced physical AI technologies and products.
Hyundai Motor Group will be deploying the latest models of Atlas robots to their Metaplant America facility, with intentions to distribute them to additional vital production sites globally.
The facility represents Hyundai Motor's highly publicized software-defined factory, which operates on data sets and software for optimal efficiency. The AI robots utilized by Hyundai Motor are scheduled to undergo enhancements derived from the automated manufacturing systems within the plant.
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The automaker intends to establish the Robot Metaplant Application Center, a venue designed for the purpose of preparing robots for their eventual deployment on production lines. This establishment is slated to be inaugurated in the US within the current year. Concurrently, Boston Dynamics revealed a collaborative alliance with Google DeepMind with the aim of enhancing their technological advancements in the realm of next-generation humanoid robots. The two companies will work together to create innovative technologies that integrate physical robots with advanced artificial intelligence foundational models.