Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary of Hyundai, conducted the inaugural public demonstration of its Atlas humanoid robot at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Concurrently, Hyundai announced plans to integrate production models of the Atlas robot into its U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia by 2028. This initiative aims to automate tasks identified as high-risk and repetitive, positioning Atlas as a key component of Hyundai's "physical AI" strategy amidst broader industry growth and increased collaboration in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Public Demonstration of Atlas Robot
On Monday, Boston Dynamics publicly demonstrated its humanoid robot, Atlas, at the CES technology exhibition within a Las Vegas hotel ballroom. Zachary Jackowski, General Manager for Humanoid Robots at Boston Dynamics, introduced the robot. Atlas, equipped with two arms and two legs, initiated its demonstration by standing up from the floor. It subsequently moved across the stage for several minutes, performing actions such as waving and head swiveling.
During this public demonstration, an engineer remotely operated the robot. Boston Dynamics clarified that the operational version of Atlas is designed for autonomous movement. The live demonstration concluded with the Atlas prototype gesturing to a static model of the new production version, which was blue and displayed design variations. Prior to the Atlas demonstration, a group of Spot robots, another commercial product from Boston Dynamics, performed a synchronized routine.
Future Deployment and Capabilities
Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to integrate production models of the Atlas robot into its manufacturing operations, commencing in 2028 at its U.S. Metaplant, an electric vehicle manufacturing facility located near Savannah, Georgia. This deployment is intended to automate tasks identified as high-risk or repetitive within the manufacturing process.
Initial deployment from 2028 will involve Atlas robots performing parts sequencing tasks. The scope of applications is projected to expand progressively, contingent on the validation of safety protocols and quality benefits. By 2030, the robots are anticipated to transition into component assembly roles. The long-term strategy includes deploying Atlas for tasks involving heavy loads, repetitive motions, and complex operations across production facilities.
The design of the Atlas robot is intended to alleviate physical demands on human workers by assuming higher-risk and repetitive responsibilities. Technical specifications include human-scale hands that incorporate tactile sensing capabilities, with the robots designed to lift up to 50 kg (110 pounds). They can operate autonomously within industrial settings in temperatures ranging from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. Hyundai has not disclosed specific deployment volumes or associated costs but indicated an intention to expand the adoption of these robots across its global manufacturing sites as part of a strategic focus on "physical AI."
Strategic Partnerships and AI Development
Hyundai is accelerating the development of Atlas technology through collaborations with global AI leaders, including Nvidia and Google. These partnerships are focused on enhancing the safety, efficiency, and real-world implementation of the robots. Hyundai specifically announced a collaboration with Google's DeepMind, through which DeepMind will provide artificial intelligence technology for Boston Dynamics' robots. This collaboration re-establishes a previous association, as Google acquired Boston Dynamics in 2013 before its sale to SoftBank.
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has stated that the Gemini AI model is intended for utilization by multiple robot manufacturers, drawing a parallel to the Android operating system's broad application across smartphones. Carolina Parada, Google DeepMind’s senior director of robotics, stated that Gemini’s multimodal design facilitates its capacity for understanding and learning about the physical world. Parada specified that Google DeepMind’s robotics focus is on building advanced AI to power general-purpose robots, with automotive serving as a starting point and intentions to expand to more applications. Data gathered by Boston Dynamics’ machines is expected to contribute to improving Gemini’s operational capabilities within physical environments.
The deployment of AI to control physical systems presents potential risks. Parada indicated that, in addition to existing safety controls in Boston Dynamics’ systems, Gemini will incorporate artificial reasoning to anticipate and mitigate hazardous behaviors. Ensuring human safety is identified as critical for the widespread adoption of humanoid robots.
Industry Context and Outlook
Public demonstrations of humanoid robots by major manufacturers are uncommon. Instances of robot malfunction during such events have occurred, including a Russian humanoid robot falling in November. Robotics startups frequently utilize social media videos to showcase research prototypes, allowing for curated presentations.
Increased investment in robotics development has been observed, influenced by advancements in commercial artificial intelligence and technical innovation. In the United States, over a dozen firms, including Agility Robotics, Figure AI, Apptronik, 1X, and Tesla, are engaged in humanoid system development. Internationally, approximately 200 Chinese firms are reportedly developing humanoid systems, according to the Chinese industry association CMRA. OpenAI is also reportedly developing humanoid robots, and Tesla has introduced a humanoid prototype named Optimus.
However, a consensus among several experts indicates that widespread adoption of highly versatile humanoid robots in workplaces or homes may be a long-term prospect. Alex Panas, a partner at McKinsey consultancy who co-led a robotics panel at CES, commented on the importance of identifying specific use cases and applicability for the technology. Panas stated that "the software, the chipsets, the communication, all the other pieces of the technology are coming together, and they will create new applications."
Hyundai expects humanoid robots to constitute the largest segment of the physical artificial intelligence market. This market encompasses AI systems integrated into hardware that gather real-world data and execute autonomous decisions, covering areas such as robotics, smart factories, and autonomous driving. The current dexterity of humanoid robots is not identified as a threat to a significant number of human jobs, but discussions regarding their potential impact on employment are anticipated to increase as their capabilities advance. The labor union at Hyundai Motor's affiliate, Kia Corp, proposed establishing a body in the previous year to address potential labor rights issues in preparation for an era of expanded artificial intelligence and automation, reflecting concerns raised by workers.
Company Background
Boston Dynamics, a Massachusetts-based company, has decades of experience in robot development, including humanoids and four-legged systems that have been tested by the military for logistics support across challenging terrain. The company is recognized for its initial commercial product, the Spot robot. Its ownership history includes acquisition by Google in 2013, subsequent sale to SoftBank in 2017, and a controlling stake purchase by Hyundai, a South Korean automaker, in 2021.