Hyundai Motor Group has fully acquired Boston Dynamics, buying out SoftBank's remaining stake in the robotics firm.
The deal, valued at around $335 million according to South Korean media, makes Boston Dynamics a wholly owned subsidiary of the Korean automaker.
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The acquisition comes just days after Hyundai workers in South Korea staged a partial strike.
Union leaders protested the deployment of humanoid robots, fearing they could replace human jobs.
Hyundai's Robot Ambitions
Hyundai first bought an 80 percent stake in Boston Dynamics in 2021. It has gradually increased its holding, and the latest transaction secures full ownership.
The company plans to deploy over 25,000 Atlas humanoid robots across Hyundai and Kia manufacturing sites.
Deployment could begin at Hyundai's Metaplant in Georgia in 2028, followed by Kia's Georgia plant in 2029.
Hyundai also aims to produce up to 30,000 Atlas units annually by 2028.
The robots will initially handle parts-sequencing work, with duties possibly expanding to component assembly by 2030.
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Atlas Robot Capabilities
The Atlas robot stands 6'2" (190 cm), weighs 198 lbs, and can lift 110 lbs momentarily or hold 66 lbs steadily.
Its battery lasts four hours, with expected improvements as technology matures.
Each Atlas unit costs around $130,000. Hyundai estimates labor savings could allow each robot to recoup its purchase price within two years.
Full ownership gives Hyundai more flexibility for long-term investment, business strategy, and a potential initial public offering for Boston Dynamics.
Hyundai is not alone in pursuing humanoid robots.
Tesla is preparing Optimus for production, BMW is testing robots in Germany and South Carolina, and Xiaomi has begun trials in its EV plants.
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Schaeffler and Mitsubishi are also deploying robots, while GM has added cobots in Detroit amid job cuts.
