HYUNDAI MAKES A SIGNIFICANT MOVE TOWARD THE FUTURE OF AUTONOMOUS DRIVING

Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its vision for human-centric "AI Robotics" that collaborates with humans and operates in the real world at CES 2026. Hyundai aims for leadership in robotics, together with global partners, primarily Boston Dynamics.The humanoid robot "New Atlas®" will usher in a new era in manufacturing by 2028 at Metaplant America (HMGMA).

Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its “AI Robotics Strategy,” which advances human-robot collaboration, at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026 (CES 2026). Presented under the theme “Partnering Human Progress,” this strategy outlines the group’s long-term roadmap in the field of human-centric Physical AI. Building on Hyundai Motor Group’s “Expanding Human Reach” approach introduced at CES 2022, this theme symbolizes a shift from hardware-focused robotics to AI-powered robots that assist, learn, and adapt to humans. At the heart of the strategy are human-centric AI Robotics solutions designed to work alongside humans.

Hyundai Motor Group’s AI Robotics Strategy is built on three core collaboration pillars aimed at creating new areas of value for industry and society:

1. Partnering with Robots to Work Alongside Humans

Initially, robots are being positioned in manufacturing environments to support humans by taking on hazardous, risky, and repetitive tasks. This approach enhances safety while allowing employees to focus on more value-added work.

 2. Group Value Network and Boston Dynamics Partnership

Boston Dynamics' global R&D leadership in robotics, combined with Hyundai Motor Group's scale and manufacturing capabilities, creates an end-to-end (E2E) AI Robotics value chain.

3. Partnering with Global AI Leaders

The group aims to open new chapters in robotic innovation in line with its "Advancement for Humanity" vision by establishing collaborations with global AI pioneers.

Transforming Industries with Physical AI

Hyundai Motor Group aims to establish a continuously learning Physical AI cycle by digitizing real-world data from across the entire value chain, from manufacturing and logistics to sales and services. This approach will enable the development of new industries ranging from mobility to robotics solutions.

Within this framework, the group plans to establish the Hyundai Motor Group Physical Artificial Intelligence Application Center and create a robot manufacturing facility based on specialized robotic technologies developed with Physical Artificial Intelligence.

Atlas: A New Era in Human-Centered Industrial Robotics

Introduced at CES 2026, the next-generation humanoid robot Atlas® stands out as a general-purpose platform designed for industrial applications. With its structure that easily integrates into existing facilities, Atlas prioritizes safety, predictability, and collaboration. Featuring 56 degrees of freedom (DoF), fully rotatable joints, and tactile sensing, Atlas can autonomously perform tasks such as part sorting, assembly, and machine feeding.

Atlas can also lift loads of up to 50 kg and learn most tasks in less than a day. Capable of operating continuously with automatic battery switching, Atlas is also suitable for industrial cleaning, performing at full capacity between -20°C and 40°C. Hyundai Motor Group predicts that humanoid robots will be the largest segment of the Physical Artificial Intelligence market in the future and aims for mass production of Atlas.

Starting in 2028, Atlas will be deployed at Hyundai Motor Group's Metaplant America facility, primarily in proven safety processes such as parts sorting, and will be expanded to more complex applications such as assembly by 2030.

Group Value Network and AI Robotics Commercialization

Hyundai Motor Group is establishing a scalable and sustainable structure in the field of robotics with its Group Value Network, encompassing its subsidiaries. This network brings together software, hardware, logistics, and manufacturing capabilities under one roof, accelerating the mass production and commercialization of AI Robotics. The Group aims to reach an annual robot production capacity of 30,000 units by 2028.

Within this structure: Software-Defined Factory (SDF) and Robot Metaplant Application Center (RMAC) are transforming robots into continuously learning and evolving systems. Simulation, infrastructure, and Physical AI solutions are gaining momentum thanks to collaboration with NVIDIA. Hyundai, Hyundai Mobis, and Hyundai Glovis are creating an E2E value chain in the areas of manufacturing, components, logistics, and supply chain.

Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) and New Business Areas

Hyundai Motor Group's Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model transforms robotics from a one-off sale to a continuous service model. Supported by maintenance, software updates, remote monitoring, and scaling services, this model offers customers quick turnaround times and low initial costs.

In this context, the advanced insulation and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) solutions being developed will also directly support Hyundai Motor Group’s investments in autonomous driving technologies. This insulation approach, optimized to enable more accurate data perception by sensors, artificial intelligence systems and driving assistance software, enhances in-cabin comfort while elevating the reliability and precision of the autonomous driving experience. Through this, Hyundai aims to strengthen its human-centered mobility vision in a holistic manner across both robotics and autonomous driving domains.