Hyundai Motor Company is set to make a major leap into the future of manufacturing and robotics at CES 2026, held in Las Vegas this coming January, according to ETNews. The automotive giant will publicly unveil its humanoid robot “Atlas”, developed by its robotics affiliate Boston Dynamics, and reveal a comprehensive robotics commercialization blueprint that could redefine factory automation.
Introducing Atlas: Hyundai’s Next-Gen Humanoid Robot
Developed by Boston Dynamics, Atlas is a humanoid robot designed to perform advanced tasks in complex and unstructured environments. Equipped with deep learning-based AI, Atlas is capable of understanding task sequences and responding to dynamic situations using real-time sensor data. Far beyond traditional robotic arms, Atlas can adapt like a human—performing not just repetitive actions but a wide range of manufacturing tasks with intelligence and agility.
Early Deployment at Hyundai’s Metaplant in Georgia
In anticipation of CES 2026, Hyundai plans to pilot the Atlas robot at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, USA. This pre-launch deployment will serve as a real-world demonstration of Atlas in automotive manufacturing settings, showcasing its capabilities ahead of global commercialization.
Robotics Rollout to Expand in 2026
Hyundai’s robotics strategy goes beyond Atlas. Starting in 2026, the company will roll out other advanced robots like the quadruped robot “Spot” and logistics robot “Stretch”—also developed by Boston Dynamics—across major Hyundai and Kia manufacturing plants in South Korea. These robots are expected to play a key role in automating logistics, inspection, and material handling tasks.
Transforming the Manufacturing Process with Robots
Hyundai’s robotics push is aimed at transforming its production systems. The company is expected to unveil a strategic roadmap at CES 2026 that emphasizes:
- Automating 40% of vehicle assembly processes
- Reducing production costs by 30%
- Cutting manufacturing time by 40%
- Enabling human-robot collaboration for higher productivity
- Enhancing quality in multi-variety, small-lot production systems
This forward-looking approach aims to give Hyundai a competitive edge in the global robotics and smart factory race, particularly as manufacturing transitions into an era driven by AI and automation.
Global Market Potential for Humanoid Robots
Hyundai’s move into the humanoid robot space aligns with strong market forecasts. According to Goldman Sachs, the humanoid robot market is expected to reach $38 billion (approx. 55 trillion KRW) by 2035, with shipments hitting 1.4 million units. By positioning Atlas and its broader robotics solutions early, Hyundai aims to become a key player in this rapidly growing industry.
Global Spotlight at CES 2026
With the combination of cutting-edge AI, practical industrial application, and a bold commercialization plan, Hyundai’s presentation at CES 2026 is expected to draw global attention. If the company reveals detailed productivity data from its factory pilots, it may set a new benchmark for robotics in manufacturing.