Hyundai to Deploy Humanoid Robots at U.S. Factory From 2028
GeokHub
LAS VEGAS, Jan 5 (GeokHub) — Hyundai Motor Group said on Monday it plans to begin deploying humanoid robots at its U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgia starting in 2028, marking a major step in automating high-risk and repetitive tasks on factory floors.
The South Korean automaker unveiled the production version of its Atlas humanoid robot, developed by its subsidiary Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Hyundai said the robots would initially be used for parts sequencing, with broader applications introduced gradually as safety and quality gains are confirmed.
While Hyundai did not disclose how many robots would be deployed or the cost of the rollout, it said the Georgia plant would serve as a starting point for a wider adoption strategy across its global manufacturing network as part of its push into what it calls “physical AI.”
By 2030, Hyundai expects Atlas robots to expand into component assembly, with longer-term plans for them to handle tasks involving heavy lifting, repetitive motion and complex industrial operations. The company said the goal is to reduce physical strain on workers while improving efficiency and workplace safety.
Atlas is equipped with human-scale hands featuring tactile sensors, can lift up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and is capable of autonomous operation in environments ranging from –20°C to 40°C, according to Hyundai.
The move comes amid growing labor concerns over automation. At Hyundai affiliate Kia, the labor union last year called for the creation of a formal body to address potential workforce impacts as artificial intelligence and robotics expand in manufacturing.
Hyundai Vice Chairman Jaehoon Chang said the company recognizes fears about job displacement but stressed that human workers would remain essential to training, supervising and maintaining the robots, adding that automation could also create new roles.
Hyundai said it expects humanoid robots to become the largest segment of the physical artificial intelligence market, which includes AI embedded in hardware capable of sensing and making decisions in real-world environments. The company is accelerating development through partnerships with major technology firms, including Nvidia and Google, to improve safety and real-world deployment.
