Hyundai has deployed Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot at its Metaplant America facility in Georgia, signaling a significant shift in factory automation. Once known for its parkour stunts, Atlas is now taking on real-world industrial tasks, reinforcing the rising importance of humanoid robots in manufacturing.
Atlas’ Role in Hyundai’s EV Production
Hyundai, which acquired Boston Dynamics from SoftBank in 2021, has committed to integrating Atlas humanoids across its U.S. facilities. The Georgia plant already utilizes Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot for inspections, and now Atlas joins the workforce to handle human-like tasks.
While Hyundai has not disclosed the exact number of Atlas robots or their specific roles, the company aims to produce 300,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually at the Georgia site. Hyundai has also pledged a $21 billion investment in the U.S., with $6 billion allocated for automation and innovation.
The Rise of Humanoid Robots in Industry
Atlas, unlike traditional industrial robots, features bipedal movement and dexterity, making it ideal for dynamic factory environments. Hyundai already employs specialized bots to remove and reinstall car doors during assembly, and Atlas is expected to take on physically demanding and repetitive tasks.
The deployment of Atlas aligns with a broader industry trend, as companies like Tesla, Figure AI, and Sanctuary AI explore humanoid robots for factory floors, warehouses, and retail operations.
Hyundai’s Vision for the Future
Hyundai envisions a future where humanoid robots enhance efficiency, allowing human workers to focus on innovation and complex problem-solving. With plans to scale production to 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S., Atlas is set to play a key role in Hyundai’s automation strategy.
