Hyundai Motor Group's physical artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, led by Boston Dynamics, has entered a significant execution phase. The company plans to establish a mass production system for the humanoid robot 'Atlas' and prioritize its deployment in manufacturing facilities to accelerate robot commercialization.
During Hyundai's CEO Investor Day held in Yeouido, Seoul, on August 26, the company detailed its robotics and physical AI strategy centered around Boston Dynamics.
Hyundai is ramping up its robotics business, starting with the opening of a U.S. Robometal Plant Application Center. This year, it aims to finalize the site for Boston Dynamics' robot production facility, with plans to begin production in 2028, targeting an annual output capacity of 30,000 units.
The factory will mass-produce various robots, including Spot and the Atlas humanoid robot, with the deployment of Atlas set to occur gradually starting in 2028.
Jose Munoz, CEO of Hyundai Motor, stated, "We have confirmed an initial production volume of 25,000 units for the U.S. robot factory. Based on internal demand, we will build a business ecosystem from robot manufacturing to financing, and then expand to external sales."
Questions regarding Boston Dynamics' share acquisition and governance structure have also emerged. Last month, Hyundai announced its intention to acquire the remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics held by SoftBank. Following SoftBank's exercise of a put option, Hyundai is currently in the process of purchasing the shares, estimated to cost around $320 million.
Hyundai Group initially entered the robotics sector in 2021 by acquiring an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics. Once the additional share acquisition is completed, the ownership stakes are expected to be 25% for Chairman Euisun Chung, 62.5% for HMG Global, and 12.5% for Hyundai Glovis. Industry analysts anticipate that Hyundai will expand its stake to 100% by the end of the year and initiate the process for a Nasdaq listing.
There were also discussions regarding Boston Dynamics' governance structure. Observers noted that since Hyundai did not add robotics to its business objectives at the shareholders' meeting, there is a possibility that Boston Dynamics and other robotics ventures may operate as separate subsidiaries in the future.
Kim Heung-soo, Vice President and Head of Hyundai's GSO Division, commented, "Boston Dynamics is focusing on business centered around Atlas, while Hyundai's Robotics Lab is concentrating on service robots. We will communicate with the market if there are internal decisions regarding a spin-off."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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