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Hyundai Motor Group plans to implement Boston Dynamics’ robot line, including its Atlas humanoid, Spot quadruped, and Stretch trailer-unloading robots. | Source: Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics Inc. and Hyundai Motor Group have announced a significant expansion of their partnership, with Hyundai set to acquire tens of thousands of robots over the next few years. This collaboration aims to enhance both companies’ capabilities by merging Hyundai’s manufacturing expertise with Boston Dynamics’ advanced robotics technology.
Hyundai is already utilizing Spot robots for tasks related to industrial inspections and predictive maintenance within its facilities. The company is also gearing up to introduce the Atlas humanoid robot to its factory operations.
Jaehoon Chang, vice chair of Hyundai Motor Group, emphasized the importance of integrating Boston Dynamics’ robotics and AI technologies into their operations. He stated that these innovations will elevate Hyundai’s business landscape and expedite its ambition to lead in the robotics sector.
Last week, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its plan to invest $21 billion in the United States, which includes a substantial $6 billion earmarked for driving innovation and fostering partnerships with American companies.
Earlier this year, Boston Dynamics forged new alliances with tech giants like NVIDIA and Google DeepMind, as well as the Toyota Research Institute, and its sister company, the Robotics & AI Institute (RAI), to advance its technology.
In April 2024, Boston Dynamics unveiled an electric version of the Atlas robot, announcing plans to begin testing this iteration with Hyundai and other select partners in 2025. The latest version of the legged robot was recognized with a RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award.
Humanoids Race to Real-World Deployments
As Atlas is set to begin operations in Hyundai facilities, Boston Dynamics will join a select group of humanoid robot developers reaching commercial deployment. The humanoid sector has become increasingly populated in recent years.
In 2024, GXO Logistics officially introduced a “small fleet” of Digit humanoids from Agility Robotics at a Spanx facility in Georgia, marking a notable first for paid humanoid robot deployments. Following this, Schaeffler AG made a minority investment in Agility Robotics and is planning to implement Digit robots across its global manufacturing sites.
Additionally, Figure AI is beginning to distribute its Figure 02 system to its initial paying clients. Although the company has not disclosed the identity of its first customer, it revealed that BMW Group had conducted tests of the Figure 02 for handling sheet-metal components on its production line in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
While Apptronik has yet to announce any paying customers, it has secured testing partnerships with Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics for its Apollo humanoid in practical applications.
According to projections by Goldman Sachs, the global market for humanoid robots could exceed $38 billion by 2035. Boston Dynamics has stated that it will work alongside Hyundai to analyze the automaker’s manufacturing requirements and identify areas where robotics can enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, noted that this day marks a transformational opportunity as Hyundai Motor Group becomes their largest customer, enabling the development of effective AI policies and leveraging Hyundai’s extensive commercial relationships to support strategic collaborations in robotics.
Hyundai acquired Boston Dynamics from SoftBank in 2021 in a deal valued at $880 million.
Boston Dynamics to Share Atlas Insights at Robotics Summit
The upcoming Robotics Summit & Expo, scheduled for April 30 and May 1 in Boston, will prominently feature humanoid robots. The event is organized by WTWH Media, the parent company of The Robot Report.
Aaron Saunders, chief technology officer at Boston Dynamics, will kick off the summit with a keynote presentation titled “Redesigning Atlas: Boston Dynamics on the Future of Humanoids.” In his address, he will discuss the development and features of the electric version of Atlas and provide insights drawn from leading humanoid advancements.
Saunders will address the myriad challenges and opportunities associated with creating humanoids for various applications, along with revealing how Hyundai and Boston Dynamics are pushing the boundaries of robotics technology.
In addition to Saunders’ keynote, the first day will host a panel featuring experts like Pras Velagapudi, CTO of Agility Robotics; Aaron Prather, director of robotics and autonomous systems at ASTM International; and Al Makke, director of engineering at Schaeffler. They will examine the technical and business challenges influencing the humanoid sector’s growth and share insights from early deployments and ongoing efforts to establish safety standards.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is expected to attract over 5,000 developers focused on creating robots for diverse commercial uses. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest enabling technologies, engineering best practices, and emerging industry trends.
The event will host more than 200 exhibitors, feature over 70 speakers on stage, and allow for more than 10 hours dedicated to networking. The schedule will also include a Women in Robotics Breakfast, a career fair, a startup showcase, and additional activities.
The RBR50 Pavilion and RBR50 Awards Dinner will return to honor this year’s winners of the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards.
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www.therobotreport.com