At the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Boston Dynamics, a robotics company backed by South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Group, revealed its latest humanoid robot, Atlas. The robot is designed to compete directly with Tesla Inc.'s Optimus humanoid robot. Boston Dynamics confirmed that production of Atlas has begun immediately at its Boston facility, with plans to deploy the robots within months at Hyundai's Robotics Metaplant Application Center (RMAC) in South Korea.
In addition to deployments within Hyundai operations, Boston Dynamics disclosed that it will allocate some of its robots to Alphabet Inc.'s Google DeepMind research laboratory. The company also indicated plans to expand its customer base by early 2027.
The Atlas robot is engineered to handle lifting tasks involving weights of up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and operates effectively in temperature environments ranging from -20 to 40 degrees Celsius (-4 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Notably, skills acquired by a single Atlas robot can be transmitted across the entire fleet, facilitating uniformity in task execution. The robot is also equipped with human detection capabilities, enhancing its functional interaction within workspaces.
Hyundai Motor Group elaborated on its intended use of the Atlas robot, revealing plans to deploy the unit at its Georgia manufacturing facility by 2028. At this location, Atlas will support activities such as part sequencing. The company projects that by 2030, Atlas robots will expand their roles to include component assembly and tasks requiring repetitive motions, handling heavy loads, and managing complex operations.
Hyundai indicated its strategic approach involves deploying robots primarily to undertake labor-intensive or potentially hazardous tasks. Human operators will retain responsibilities centered on instructing the robots and overseeing their functions to ensure operational safety and efficacy.
The automaker also highlighted a collaboration with Nvidia Corp, a partnership initiated in January 2025, aimed at bolstering artificial intelligence capabilities. Furthermore, the South Korean government has formalized a memorandum of understanding with Nvidia to further enhance AI expertise within the country.
Hyundai disclosed plans to invest more than $28 billion in the United States during the tenure of former President Donald Trump. These investments are directed towards expanding collaboration with key U.S. firms specializing in robotics, AI, autonomous driving, and other emergent technology sectors. As part of this vision, Hyundai intends to build a new manufacturing plant capable of producing 30,000 robots annually.
Contextually, the announcement relates to previous political negotiations, including former President Trump's demand in September of the preceding year for a $350 billion investment from South Korea into the U.S., which had raised concerns about potential repercussions on South Korea's financial stability.
Additional challenges for Hyundai have included Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at its battery manufacturing plant in Georgia, resulting in the detention of over 475 workers.
Separately, Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot continues to be promoted by CEO Elon Musk as a transformative technology. Musk has suggested numerous applications, including surgical procedures, and has described Optimus as an "infinite money glitch." He has also emphasized the robot's potential to contribute to a universal basic income framework. Musk regards the development of Optimus as pivotal to Tesla's future, estimating it could account for more than 80% of the company’s value while reinforcing Tesla’s broader strategy in artificial intelligence and robotics advancement as detailed in its Master Plan IV.
In addition to deployments within Hyundai operations, Boston Dynamics disclosed that it will allocate some of its robots to Alphabet Inc.'s Google DeepMind research laboratory. The company also indicated plans to expand its customer base by early 2027.
The Atlas robot is engineered to handle lifting tasks involving weights of up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and operates effectively in temperature environments ranging from -20 to 40 degrees Celsius (-4 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Notably, skills acquired by a single Atlas robot can be transmitted across the entire fleet, facilitating uniformity in task execution. The robot is also equipped with human detection capabilities, enhancing its functional interaction within workspaces.
Hyundai Motor Group elaborated on its intended use of the Atlas robot, revealing plans to deploy the unit at its Georgia manufacturing facility by 2028. At this location, Atlas will support activities such as part sequencing. The company projects that by 2030, Atlas robots will expand their roles to include component assembly and tasks requiring repetitive motions, handling heavy loads, and managing complex operations.
Hyundai indicated its strategic approach involves deploying robots primarily to undertake labor-intensive or potentially hazardous tasks. Human operators will retain responsibilities centered on instructing the robots and overseeing their functions to ensure operational safety and efficacy.
The automaker also highlighted a collaboration with Nvidia Corp, a partnership initiated in January 2025, aimed at bolstering artificial intelligence capabilities. Furthermore, the South Korean government has formalized a memorandum of understanding with Nvidia to further enhance AI expertise within the country.
Hyundai disclosed plans to invest more than $28 billion in the United States during the tenure of former President Donald Trump. These investments are directed towards expanding collaboration with key U.S. firms specializing in robotics, AI, autonomous driving, and other emergent technology sectors. As part of this vision, Hyundai intends to build a new manufacturing plant capable of producing 30,000 robots annually.
Contextually, the announcement relates to previous political negotiations, including former President Trump's demand in September of the preceding year for a $350 billion investment from South Korea into the U.S., which had raised concerns about potential repercussions on South Korea's financial stability.
Additional challenges for Hyundai have included Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at its battery manufacturing plant in Georgia, resulting in the detention of over 475 workers.
Separately, Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot continues to be promoted by CEO Elon Musk as a transformative technology. Musk has suggested numerous applications, including surgical procedures, and has described Optimus as an "infinite money glitch." He has also emphasized the robot's potential to contribute to a universal basic income framework. Musk regards the development of Optimus as pivotal to Tesla's future, estimating it could account for more than 80% of the company’s value while reinforcing Tesla’s broader strategy in artificial intelligence and robotics advancement as detailed in its Master Plan IV.