Hyundai bringing Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robots to new Georgia factory
The Korean automaker is planning on deploying two-legged Boston Dynamics Atlas robots on the factory floor to build 300,000 electric and hybrid vehicles a year.
This isn’t Hyundai’s first foray into robotics — the company is already making use of Boston Dynamics’ four-legged Spot robots to conduct inspections, in addition to its existing stable of fixed robotic systems within its assembly processes. But turning to Atlas, with its ability to move like a human and traverse complex environments, marks a substantial advance in manufacturing automation for the carmaker.
While the manufacturer hasn’t revealed how many Atlas robots will join the workforce or their planned duties, this move does seem to signify a major shift in future car assembly. Cooperation between Hyundai and Boston Dynamics has been on the rise ever since the automaker took over the formerly SoftBank-owned robotics firm in 2021. Recent reports indicate that Hyundai has ordered tens of thousands of robots, confirming that it sees robotics as one of its priorities.
Hyundai's Georgia-based plant is central to its massive $21 billion U.S. investment plan, including some $6 billion focused on automation, innovation, and mobility services. The company also plans to supercharge its American manufacturing capacity to 1.2 million vehicles yearly, a sizable increase from this year’s 700,000.
The announcement comes as Hyundai explores ways to increase its production efficiency while reducing costs meaning two-legged robots like the Atlas will end up taking some jobs away from human workers. The Atlas rollout may assist the company in addressing workforce issues while maintaining its competitive position in the crucial United States market.
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